Cabinet must lead drive to get Britain out of 'export slow lane', report says

Commission led by AgustaWestland chairman Graham Cole urges government to work better with businesses to win and develop overseas markets

The government must do more to turn around Britain's weak export performance, according to a new report calling for cabinet-led action to simplify support to businesses. The report, commissioned by the former shadow chancellor Ed Balls last year, said Britain risks staying in the "export slow lane" unless urgent changes are made to the way the government and business work together on winning and developing new overseas markets.

Led by Graham Cole, the chairman of helicopter maker AgustaWestland, the commission took evidence from thousands of companies to come up with an action plan to increase exports. Recommendations include reforms to government bodies dealing with exports, more focus on trade and investment in education, and a one-stop shop that simplifies export support for small and medium-sized businesses.