'Buy British' plea in bid to boost global growth
Post-Brexit Britain needs to follow the example of the US and launch a 'Buy British ' campaign to boost global growth.
That 's the view of local businessman Carl Richardson, who jointly leads the Richardson family 's international property development business with his brothers from their Midlands headquarters in Oldbury.
Mr Richardson (pictured) says that that there are a number of ways that the UK can boost international trade, including an ambitious programme of trade missions to key markets and the construction of a new royal yacht.
He said: “Let 's demonstrate our ambition as a country and press ahead with welcome initiatives such as the much-discussed new national flagship yacht, not as a vanity project but rather as a display of British self-belief which can provide a unique (and mobile) 'money can 't buy ' experience.
“This can then be used by our leaders to form crucial relationships with key decision-makers around the globe while simultaneously showcasing the best of British on the ship. ”
Mr Richardson is also pleading for a change in the way trade missions are organised - he says these should be planned at least 12 months in advance in order to give business people ample opportunity to manage diaries and ensure they can play an active role.
He said: “This would be a simple yet effective way to help improve the outcome of trade missions.
“Clear forward planning and notice of such trips would help to ensure that the most suitable representatives of business can participate while not neglecting the day job. The missions must involve a true reflection of our business community, including leaders from ambitious and successful SMEs and family -run businesses throughout the country, alongside CEOs of FTSE 100 companies.
“They could work in tandem with our trade experts within the Department of International Trade in order to ensure that businesses play a genuinely active role in developing the opportunities that exist all around the world. ”
Mr Richardson is hoping that other initiatives, such as the UK 's application to join the Pacific Rim-focused CPTPP trade group, will help boost exports.
He is also calling for backing for the British Goods Bill, introduced by Warley MP John Spellar, which is due for a second reading in the Commons on 10 December.
He said: “This Bill aims to place a duty on public bodies to have a 'presumption in favour ' of purchasing goods of British origin when orders are being placed.
“While there will undoubtedly be challenges and much debate around the Bill, and we clearly have to strike the right balance with this in order to give our trade negotiators a fair chance as they continue to work on a raft of new Free Trade Agreements with different countries.
“As John Spellar has said, if the USA can manage to balance being a member of the World Trade Organisation and a great trading nation with a firm 'Buy America ' policy, surely we can do the same with more of a 'Buy British ' approach to our procurement efforts? ”