Speaking at the event, held at Liverpool Town Hall, Shevaun highlighted how a higher proportion of Chamber members across the UK are actively involved in importing and exporting and the importance of trade for economic growth.

She said:

“Trade is central to our identity as Chambers of Commerce. Typically, only 10% of UK businesses export, yet that figure among Chamber members is 40%. The main reason for this positive distinction is that we offer the expertise and experience that businesses need to trade successfully.

“The Chambers sit at the intersection of business, place and government, and that makes our network so powerful. We are the only business membership organisation that operates locally, nationally and globally, connecting world markets. As a member of an international network of Chambers of Commerce, our members literally have friends in every port and your voices influence national policy.

“In our conversations with ministers, we are regularly highlighting the economic power of international trade and how a moderate increase in the number of businesses exporting could have a major impact on UK GDP.”

We were also pleased to welcome Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, who spoke about emerging growth sectors in the city and the importance of building upon the city’s existing strengths in global trade.

“There is plenty for us to shout about and look forward to. Existing specialisms continue to thrive, such as maritime and logistics. Our port is an asset of national importance, responsible for 45% of goods traded between the UK and the United States.

“As a city, we are proud but never satisfied. Partnerships are always at the heart of what we do and we look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber to achieve our objectives across these areas.”

Shevaun concluded by saying:

“Tell your Chamber what you need to grow, what is holding you back and what needs to change. Every story becomes evidence, evidence becomes influence, and influence becomes policy, so you will be shaping the operating environment for your business and businesses across the UK.”