11 March 2026, London - Zero percent of surveyed UK exporters say they have “comprehensive support” from government to manage trade policy changes, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with global standards organisation GS1 UK.
The BCC’s Insights Unit surveyed 939 firms – 40 per cent exporters – with 0 per cent of responding businesses saying government was providing comprehensive support on trade policy changes.
Of all firms surveyed, only 13 per cent feel they get sufficient support, while 32 per cent and 31 per cent feel they either have not much support or no support at all, respectively.
Exporters are more likely to say they receive little trade policy support from government. 41 per cent feel they don’t have much support and 32 per cent no support at all. Only 17 per cent say they are getting sufficient support. Again, 0 per centsay they get comprehensive support.
The data comes as the BCC and GS1 UK publish a new report examining how digital trade can help transform economic growth. The report concludes that “standing still on trade digitalisation, e-certification and e-labelling is a manifesto for economic decline”.
The report calls for a joint plan between UK government and business to manage digital trade. The plan focusses on:
- Creating e-labelling and digital product passport systems that work seamlessly across key markets
- The UK should show leadership in building global adoption of electronic trade documentation
- Establish effective digital trade corridors following the UK’s soon to be launched pilot schemes with France and Germany
- Creating new pathways for export support and market expansion through private sector and BCC led trade accelerators
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: "Our research is clear, UK exporters are navigating trade policy changes largely alone.
“At a time when the global trade landscape is changing constantly, firms tell us comprehensive support from government is lacking. Many businesses feel they are getting little or no advice.
“To help grow the economy and keep the UK competitive, we need a joint plan between government and business to drive forward digital trade. Standing still isn’t an option.
“The UK has real strengths in digital trade documentation and world class private sector capability. Those strengths need to be urgently harnessed alongside comprehensive support to exporters across the UK.”
Iain Walker, Industry Engagement Director at GS1 UK said: “Fifty years ago, GS1 standards transformed global trade by giving industry a shared language.
“Today, we need the same collaborative spirit to prepare businesses for the digital age, from e‑labelling and digital product passports to electronic documentation. Our research shows UK exporters are being left to navigate this transition largely on their own, without the government support they need.
“The private sector and GS1 UK already have world‑class digital capability. What’s missing is a genuine partnership with government to put the right frameworks in place. Without it, the UK risks falling behind.”
Notes to editors
For further information or requests for interviews, contact Max Fairhurst, max.fairhurst@redbrickroad.com, 07799 739438, or Alex Cox, alexander.cox@gs1uk.org, 07464946769
About the research
The data comes from the BCC’s Trade Survey. 989 businesses responded to the research, carried out between 2 Oct and 12 Nov 2025. Around 39 per cent of responding firms were exporters. 96 per cent were SMEs (fewer than 250 employees).
A copy of the full report can be accessed here: www.gs1uk.org/insights/thought-leadership/new-trade-frontiers-for-SMEs
About GS1 UK
Whether online, in store or in a hospital, the common language of GS1 global standards is helping our community of more than 60,000 organisations across the UK to uniquely identify, describe and track anything, creating greater trust in data for everyone. From product barcodes to patient wristbands, GS1 standards have been transforming the way we work and live for 50 years. We are now embarking on the next 50 years of industry transformation delivered through QR codes powered by GS1.
About the British Chambers of Commerce
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 51 Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of firms. It provides a unified voice for these companies, rooted in their communities, at the national level. We link our UK network with over 75 international member chambers, to promote trade and investment, and work for a better future for businesses around the world.
For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk