Research suggests that the Commonwealth presents a unique opportunity to ambitious UK exporters seeking to grow their businesses internationally.
Almost three quarters of respondents (72 per cent) overall feel they have more shared cultural values with the UK than with any other countries in Europe whilst 84 per cent of Indian respondents share this opinion.
The research, commissioned by marketing communications agency, Lexis, coincides with the launch of ‘Maritime Connects’ an initiative spearheaded by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) and developed by AMPP Group, with the aim of rapidly driving economic growth, job creation and prosperity throughout the Commonwealth.
The initiative leverages the latest technology to rapidly accelerate and assist the growth of UK exports and investment across the 52 Commonwealth markets, representing a third of the world’s population and with a combined GDP of $10.4 trillion.
With regards to Brexit, almost three quarters of respondents (70 per cent) say that it has not altered or it has improved their opinion of the UK; more than a third (35 per cent) of Indian respondents now think more positively about the UK following Brexit.
The majority of respondents feel positive about the future of their country’s relationship with the UK, with 59 per cent thinking the relationship will be ‘stronger’ by 2020. 16-29 yr olds feel most positive (70 per cent) than other age groups polled, with respondents from India feeling overwhelmingly more positive (88 per cent) than other countries polled.
UK goods and services are regarded as the most popular imports, ahead of US, German, Japanese, Chinese and French imports (33 per cent). Almost half (44 per cent) of respondents from Nigeria are more likely to purchase UK goods and services over and above the countries listed above.
The vast majority of respondents (76 per cent) consider UK goods and services to be ‘quality’. However almost half of respondents (45 per cent) find them ‘good value’ and almost one fifth (17 per cent) find them ‘exciting’ which could indicate an opportunity for budding businesses looking to market themselves across this vast region.
Dominic Shales, managing director, Lexis says, ‘Increasing trade with other Commonwealth countries is a huge opportunity for UK businesses. There is a clear appetite for British products and services in the largest Commonwealth markets and this growth is what Maritime Connects aims to facilitate.
‘Lexis is going to be advising businesses which sign up to Maritime Connects on all aspects of marketing and communications and it’s exciting to be part of such an important project for the future growth of the UK.’
Anthony Martin, Maritime Connects programme director comments, ‘AMPP Group is delighted to be working with Lexis on the Commonwealth’s ‘Maritime Connects’ initiative. Lexis were selected as a Commercial Partner to the initiative on the basis of their ability to deliver integrated PR and digital marketing campaigns for innovative, fast growth UK businesses.’
Further reading on Commonwealth exports
