'˜Exporters confident' says report

Exporters in the region are expecting their total overseas sales to increase in the next six months, after recording a positive end to 2017.

Firms are particularly keen to increase business with the USA, as America has been identified as offering the biggest opportunities for the region.

The report also shows that more than two-fifths of businesses now export, which is above the UK average.

Stephen Hand, South East area director for global transaction banking, SME at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: ‘The number of firms doing business overseas is rising,

‘Judging from firms’ export performances over the previous six months, the region’s confidence is not misplaced,’ he added.