The Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart MP, outlined yesterday new measures to help boost exports and increase British retail firms’ readiness to sell overseas as part of efforts to help the sector recover from Coronavirus. The new plans include the creation of a Consumer and Retail Export Academy to help businesses export, via a digital learning syllabus.

We welcome this package of support for the sector and have a well-established relationship with the DIT and the GREAT Campaign. 80% of British luxury goods in value terms is destined for export markets including the US, China, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East and, whilst it remains crucial that the Government does all that it can to ensure the return of much needed non-UK resident customers to our shores, this support will enable businesses to maximise revenues in very trying circumstances. It will be particularly valuable for the SME’s that form the backbone of British luxury, and will support the luxury sector in exporting British creativity, craftsmanship and design to the world.

Walpole is supporting the airline industry in lobbying Government to introduce a more nuanced COVID-19 testing approach as people enter the country, as this is key to ensuring the return of international visitors and business travel and the rapid recovery of the luxury sector.