Firms in Coventry and Warwickshire are leading the West Midlands when it comes to exporting their goods and services, according to research carried out by the Midlands Engine; 15.6% of the companies in Coventry and Warwickshire are exporting — the highest percentage of any Local Enterprise Partnership in the West Midlands region.

The research found that the USA was the top export market for the Midlands as a whole, with Germany and France following closely behind. Australia was next on the list, with Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands making up the rest of the top seven, highlighting the importance of EU markets.

Government organisations, including the Department for International Trade (DIT), are the most likely to be asked by businesses for support (56%), while Chambers of Commerce (32%) were also high on the list.

In Coventry and Warwickshire, DIT services are delivered by the International Trade Hub at the area’s chamber of commerce.

Ajay Desai (pictured), trade director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a really positive story for Coventry and Warwickshire — and for our businesses’ determination to trade overseas. We have worked hard to promote the benefits of exporting to those companies that don’t — and to offer additional support to those that do to find new markets.

“The fact that we have DIT services here and additional international trade help and membership means that the Chamber in Coventry and Warwickshire is the ‘go to’ organisation for support with exports.”

James Ahearne, international trade commercial executive at the Chamber, said: “We are leading on the new Authorised Economic Operator scheme, which enables companies to streamline their processes and fast-track goods through certain customs procedures when exporting overseas.

“We offer lots of face-to-face and one-to-one support too, because every business has a different product or service.”