I was delighted to recently represent Jointine Products (Lincoln) Ltd at a Bank of England roundtable, hosted in partnership with The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.
The event brought together a select group of exporters, business leaders and trade professionals to discuss the challenges currently facing UK businesses, providing a valuable opportunity to share experiences directly with senior representatives from the Bank of England.
Discussions covered a range of important topics affecting businesses across the country, including persistent inflationary pressures, the impact of ongoing geopolitical instability, and the realities of trading internationally in an increasingly complex global environment.
As a manufacturer exporting to customers in more than 50 countries worldwide, these conversations are particularly relevant to Jointine. Like many SMEs, we continue to navigate rising costs across multiple areas of the business, including wages, energy, fuel, business rates and regulatory compliance.
Small and medium-sized enterprises remain the backbone of the UK economy, yet many are facing increasing pressure from costs and administrative burdens. It is therefore more important than ever that policymakers hear directly from the businesses operating on the front line of international trade.
One of the key messages I shared during the roundtable was the significant opportunity that digital trade presents for UK businesses. By reducing manual processes, eliminating unnecessary duplication of data, and improving efficiency across supply chains, digital trade can help businesses save both time and money.
For many years, I have been passionate about promoting practical digital solutions that make international trade more accessible and efficient for organisations of all sizes. The technology already exists to transform many of the paper-based and repetitive processes that continue to slow businesses down.
What is needed now is greater collaboration and leadership to accelerate adoption across industry and government.
As I commented on LinkedIn following the event: “Trading digitally can provide substantial savings. It’s time to save the UK SME; it’s time to go digital. Our UK Government must take the lead – stop the rekeying, start sending data.”
I would like to thank The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade for the invitation and for continuing to champion the voice of UK traders. Events such as these provide an important platform for businesses to contribute directly to conversations that shape the future of trade and the wider economy.
At Jointine, we remain committed to supporting innovation in international trade and demonstrating how SMEs can help lead positive change across the manufacturing and exporting sectors.
