Exporting is in our lifeblood

We are a region flanked by the North Sea on one side and have three rivers steeped in industrial history flowing right through our cities.

It seems obvious we would want to use these literal, and metaphorical channels, to sell our goods.

Our tradition of exploring overseas markets has led to us having a healthy trade balance between how much we sell and how much we import.

While it is undoubtedly a position other regions in the UK would envy, the number of companies exploiting the hook of brand Britain is still low when compared to our competitors such as Germany.

The roundtable event hosted by Helen Goodman MP as well as Santander’s managing director for the North, Jonathan Thompson, was an example of the way organisations such as ours can work together, to provide international companies and those looking at exports with the information and guidance required.

While it is never possible to take away all of the additional obstacles involved, there is a vast range of support available to those expanding their trading horizons. Often the biggest challenge is articulating the support available, to ensure businesses know what's available at the time they need it.

While the EU Referendum has placed a spotlight upon international trade, Chamber members have been trading worldwide since the dawn of the organisation over 200 years ago.

The first commercial product we provided was actually marine cargo insurance.

While the team we have in place at present are far too youthful to have been involved at that point, they do provide our members with access to extensive experience, covering a raft of pertinent topics, helping to ensure the Chamber is the first port of call for businesses with international operations.

Collaborations with organisations such as Santander enable the Chamber to provide even more platforms for members to share their insights on international trade.

This is at the heart of the Chamber ethos, ensuring businesses are able to benefit from collective perspective.

The region is of course proud of the globally recognised brands based here, and of the range of businesses big and small who contribute to our enviable regional output, the challenge remains that we still have too few of our small/medium businesses engaged with overseas markets.

Economic turbulence coupled with uncertainty over arrangements for exiting the EU are hardly the optimum backdrop for those looking to export for the first time, but the environment is arguably as good as it's been for a number of years.

The weakened pound offers significant pricing advantage, and the appetite for products and service produced in the UK has never been greater. Businesses such as Pollite, who were honoured at the recent Northern Powerhouse Exporters Awards, are doing great work to capitalise.

I was delighted to witness their achievement at the ceremony recently, and look forward to hearing of their continued success in the future.

The Chamber is understanding of it's role as the lead organisation supporting international businesses, and is determined to continue to enhance our offer to ensure our members take maximum advantage of global opportunities in the months and years to come.

James Ramsbotham is chief executive at the North East England Chamber of Commerce