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Sunday, 1 November 2026 Business · World · Analysis
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Exporting from the UK? MPs ask businesses whether government support works. Submissions by 13 November

The Commons business committee is examining whether government export support programmes and UK Export Finance help small firms sell abroad. Businesses, including Polish ones, can send their views by 13 November. It is a rare chance to tell MPs about real export problems, including to the EU.

Graphic: export support – comments by 13 November
Graphic: THE BUSINESS TIME

The House of Commons Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee has launched an inquiry into UK export support services. MPs want to check whether government export support really helps British businesses win customers abroad. The committee is chaired by Liam Byrne.

The committee is collecting written evidence until Friday 13 November 2026. Submissions can come from businesses that have sought or used export support, trade organisations, financial institutions and others familiar with the system.

MPs are asking, among other things, how small and medium-sized firms’ exports have fared in recent years, how they rate help from the trade ministry and UK Export Finance, what additional help has been missing since 2016, what could be borrowed from other countries and how to help businesses use trade agreements. In its 2025 trade strategy the government announced an increase in UK Export Finance’s capacity to £80bn.

What it means for you

Many Polish businesses in the UK sell to Poland and other EU countries and have struggled for years with customs clearance, VAT and paperwork. This is a chance to describe specific problems and proposals to MPs. Submissions are made in English through a form on the committee’s website.

Our assessment

Consultations like this do not change the law overnight, but the committee’s report goes to the government, which must respond. The voice of small exporters, including businesses run by Poles, is rarely heard there – it is worth changing that.

What to do

  • Write down 2–3 specific examples: what helped and what blocked your sales abroad.
  • Send your views via the committee form by 13 November.
  • If you belong to a chamber of commerce or association, suggest a joint submission.

Source: UK Parliament – Business and Trade Committee (23.10.2026).

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We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.

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