Our commercial attaches need better resources, says FSB

Date: 10th June 2009

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has suggested that if the latest drive to increase small business export is to be successful, British commercial attaches must be better resourced.

The export-drive, led by the FSB in conjunction with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and UK Trade and Investment, aims to increase the number of businesses trading overseas at a time when the "pound is attractive for exporting".

To be successful however, the FSB has highlighted the importance of the commercial attaches within the import nations being fully prepared.

Mr Alambritis, head of public affairs at the FSB, said: "We need our commercial attaches in our embassies to be better resourced."

He continued to say that the situation was not one of FSB verses government. He added: "The government is doing its best."

The FSB is calling for the government to increase the number of attaches in the UK’s 240 embassies.

It is also requesting the attaches be given more power. Mr Alambritis suggested that each attache be given powers "on an equal par" to their respective ambassadors.