EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 GMT, SUNDAY 5 MARCH 2017
PRESS RELEASE:
Don’t forget New Zealand market post-Brexit, UK businesses send clear message to government
Days before the inaugural Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting in London, new research reveals an overwhelming majority
of British businesses want to see the Government prioritise trade deals with the Commonwealth post-Brexit.
Polling commissioned by The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) and PLMR shows that New Zealand is in third place as a
priority for the UK’s business community for trade opportunities with Commonwealth countries post-Brexit. 79% of
businesses think that the Government should prioritise trade with New Zealand. Notably in the North of England, New
Zealand performs 30% stronger than with business leaders in London.
90% of businesses think that the Government should prioritise trade with Australia. Canada and Singapore are a joint
second priority for business leaders with 82%. India and South Africa are fourth and fifth priorities, with 72% and 70%
respectively.
In addition, over 50% of British businesses said they would want the UK government to prioritise trade with Malaysia.
40% identified Kenya as a key market, while almost one third of businesses see the Commonwealth Caribbean region as an
important market.
These findings are reinforced by Dr. Linda Yueh, RCS Trustee, Adjunct Professor at London Business School, and Fellow of St Edmund Hall, Oxford
University who said: ‘As the UK government plans new trade deals after Brexit, it is worth reactivating the long-standing trading
relationships embedded within the network of 52 nations comprising the Commonwealth. As smaller economies than the US,
China, and EU, it may be possible to conclude trade deals more quickly with these Commonwealth nations and allow Britain
to gain the benefits of trade as well as notch up more practical experience in negotiating deals before it tackles the
biggest countries in the world.’
Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, said: ‘The RCS’ work on this issue is particularly relevant as we are hosting the first ever Commonwealth Trade Ministers
Meeting, in London, on 9th March. Clearly there is demand amongst businesses for a renewed focus on growth and
investment across the Commonwealth and we are very pleased to work with the RCS on driving this agenda and supporting
businesses.’
Kevin Craig, Founder and CEO of PLMR, said: ‘These polling results chime with PLMR’s experiences in providing professional services to UK businesses. There is
enormous appetite to trade in goods and services abroad.’
The RCS provided complementary polling of its 62 branches across the Commonwealth and its Associate Follows, a network
of young leaders. It showed that 79% of respondents agree or strongly agree that their country should create a trade
agreement with the UK within the next to two years post-Brexit.
The Government will need to meet the demand and expectations highlighted by this polling. Alternatively, it risks
disappointing UK businesses and Commonwealth citizens, including its young people.
--ENDS--
Notes to editors:
Polling was undertaken by IFF Research through its Business Omnibus in January 2017.
500 business leaders answered the question: ‘Which Commonwealth nations or regions do you think the Government should
prioritise to be the most important trading partner for the UK in the post-Brexit environment?’
To supplement the business polling, the RCS asked additional questions to its 62 branches from around the Commonwealth
as well as its Associate Fellows – a global network of young people from the ages of 18-35. The polling received 194
responses between December 2016 and February 2017.
The Royal Commonwealth Society, founded in 1868, is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of
Commonwealth citizens around the world. Through youth empowerment, education and advocacy, the RCS promotes the value
and values of the Commonwealth. www.thercs.org
PLMR is a London-based public relations agency, specialising in political lobbying, media relations, online PR, media
training, public relations and offering complete PR services across the UK.