Look to Europe, Kerr tells Chamber of Commerce

Companies in the Borders should sell more of their goods and services overseas as the rewards can be enormous, local MP Calum Kerr has said.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Sep 2015, 16:03 BST
Calum Kerr, SNP MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and SelkirkCalum Kerr, SNP MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Calum Kerr, SNP MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

“There has probably never been a better time to export”, he said in a speech to members of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce.

The Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP added: “I’d urge all Borders companies to seriously consider moving into overseas markets. Plenty of help is available.

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“And of course they will have the full support and that of my parliamentary team – we’ll be delighted to help wherever we can.”

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But he added that problems had arisen as a result of the refugee crisis at Calais, with lorries from the Borders carrying perishable food through to Europe stuck in huge queues in Kent.

He referenced Eyemouth-based seafood firm D R Collin, which lost at least £100,000 as a result of the disruption.

“The result was that markets were missed, customers walked away from orders and the product had to be heavily discounted to find a sale.”

He said he was now pushing the UK Government to give an assurance that it would work with Scottish ministers and others to make sure that future disruptions to exports would be minimised or avoided.

Related topics:BordersEuropeBerwickshireSelkirk