'If your small business is exporting, you're swimming with the tide' [VIDEO]

Despite the uncertainties of Brexit, small business owners should embrace international trade as it not only boosts your sales but can transform your whole business, senior officials from the Department of International Trade said this week.

Speaking at the Amazon Academy in Newcastle, an event held in partnership with Enterprise Nation and attended by more than 200 entrepreneurs, John Mahon, the recently appointed director general for exports at the Department for International Trade (DIT), said businesses that export grow faster and innovate better.

"Working together as Team UK, there's a huge opportunity overseas," he said. "The prize is fantastic.

"If you are going to start your exporting journey, no matter how challenging it is, you are swimming with the tide. There are so many people out there, be it in government or support areas, who want to help you.

"Please swim with the tide!"

Later in the day, David Coppock, DIT regional director in the North East, was asked whether it's wise for small business owners to look at exporting given the uncertainties around Britain's exit from the EU.

"I think it's always wise," he said.

"Exporting increases your profitability as a business, it de-risks your business and there are unseen benefits; things like seasonality.

"We work with businesses that sell in the Southern Hemisphere during the winter so it actually smooths out your sales cycle.

"Brext, yes, it's coming. We want as much free trade as possible, but exporting always makes sense.

"You become a learning organisation. There are spins off such as language, internationalising your website, access channels and your staff begin to benefit as well."