Mark Prisk's Small Business Economic Forum at BIS discussed how SMEs can be encouraged to export, and through Lord Stephen Green the Minister outlined the recent steps the Government has taken to support international trade, and specifically the work of the Export Credit Guarantees Department (ECGD).Consensus among all those present was clear: a strong consistent message needs to be communicated and support must be provided by the banks, business organisations and the Government to dispel the myth that exporting is somehow a 'dark art' that is almost invariably 'high risk'. International trade is fundamental to growing the economy, and helping SMEs to find new markets for their goods and services is therefore key.
Elsewhere, the Payment Council used its Large Corporate User Forum to update members as to the progress of the Cheque Replacement Programme. While it is clear that behind the scenes there is much going on, there are signs that many consumers have yet to be persuaded to use online alternatives. The next big decision may not be due until 2016 but a real change in mindset and practice is going to be needed by then.
The Personal Finance Education Group (pfeg) Forum, meanwhile provided an opportunity to hear news of recent programmes including 'My Money Week' that will be running from 27 June to 3 July and includes competitions for schools to enter as part of a concerted drive to promote financial education to children. If you have any connection with a school, please point them to http://www.mymoneyonline.org/. And don't forget you can get involved with the DebtCred initiative through the ICM so to express an interest and learn more please just email governance@icm.org.uk
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