The UK Parliament’s Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee has launched an inquiry to assess whether government export support services are helping British businesses secure customers and expand into international markets.

The inquiry will examine services provided by the Department for Business, Innovation and Trade and UK Export Finance, with particular attention to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will assess whether businesses receive adequate advice, financial assistance and overseas connections to take advantage of global trade opportunities.

The committee will also investigate whether export support reaches businesses that need it most, whether resources are directed towards key growth markets and whether companies receive practical guidance on using the UK's trade agreements.

Under the government's 2025 Trade Strategy, planned reforms included bringing SME support into a new Business Growth Service, expanding UK Export Finance's capacity to £80 billion and restructuring the overseas trade network. The inquiry will evaluate progress on these commitments and examine whether export targets provide clear accountability.

Committee Chair Liam Byrne emphasised that trade agreements must translate into actual sales, profits and employment opportunities. He also encouraged businesses to share their experiences, highlighting concerns that many companies remain unaware of the government's existing export support services.

The inquiry aims to identify gaps in the current system and recommend improvements that help British businesses compete internationally, increase exports and create jobs.