A survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and DHL Express (the courier firm) has found that UK exporters are increasingly optimistic about their business prospects, with 70% of those surveyed believing that their turnover will increase in the next 12 months — 10% more than a year ago.

BCC director general John Longworth said: “Our exporters are bullish and optimistic about the future, with many expecting an increase in turnover, having seen a rise in export sales in the second quarter. The volume of trade documents issued suggests that exporting activity across the UK is at an all-time high.

“This is fantastic news, as boosting our international trade efforts is key to our long-term economic success.

“However, there is still more the UK can do if it is to reach its full exporting potential. Our recent international trade survey showed that less than half of businesses have ambitions to grow overseas.

“I understand this to a degree, as I speak to businesses that have full order books here in the UK and don’t see why they would need to start selling abroad. This is why we need to transform the domestic mind-set of those businesses by creating an environment that makes it worthwhile for them to export.

“If we are going to reach the Government’s target of increasing exports to £1 trillion by 2020, the UK should be matching the level of export support provided by our major international competitors.

“Government intervention must be more focused in areas that can really make a difference, such as providing greater access to finance to growing firms. As a nation, we can — and must — do more if we are to remain competitive and stand a chance at re-balancing the UK economy for the long term.”