In a world of continuing economic uncertainty, firms that trade internationally are reporting significantly better revenues and profits than those businesses sticking to their domestic market.

50% of global firms which export say they’ve increased profits over the last 12 months compared with just 38% of companies which only trade domestically.

And while China is the most popular destination for overseas business, Europe – despite all the continuing economic worries over the future of the Euro – continues to be a popular and profitable market.

Those are the main findings of the second Global Survey report on export from global workplace provider Regus which canvassed opinion from more than 20,000 senior business managers in over 90 countries around the world.

 “Our survey really does show the benefit of overseas expansion,” says says Mauro Mordini, Regus. “There are substantial differences in both revenues and profitability which are clear to see. Any company – large or small – which isn’t already trading abroad to broaden its markets should certainly have that target right at the top of its New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s because their own domestic markets are slowing or foreign markets are now more receptive to their products, all businesses, wherever they are, do need to be setting their sights further afield.

“Aside from their own domestic market, almost half of businesses globally agree that China, with its growing middle class and increasing pro-capita income, is the ideal region for expansion. Europe is seen as the next best destination, probably due to long-term existing export ties within the Eurozone and the presence of stronger economies such as Germany and the UK.

“Businesses that are exporting tell us that expansion to new markets should not be something feared, facilities such as Regus business hubs can help overcome perceived hurdles such as paperwork and property costs and give companies a local presence without the financial risk that has traditionally been associated with expansion abroad.”

Key Findings and Statistics

·         Over the last 12 months, 50% of companies trading internationally said profits had grown compared with just 38% of firms concentrating domestically

·         In the same period, 59% of companies which export said their revenues had grown compared with 37% of firms focused domestically

China is the most popular market with 48% of businesses exporting there. Europe (41%) and North America (36%) are the second and third most popular with the recently emerging markets of India (31%) and South America (31%) next.