The lives and livelihoods of everyone living in the UK are intrinsically tied to the long-term health of its economy, both domestically and in international markets. But we face serious challenges.

This content series examines economic issues that UK business and chartered accountants are at the centre of tackling to build a better, more resilient future.

Engaging with international markets

The UK economy cannot solve any of its pressing issues without fully participating in international markets or partnering with organisations across the globe. E-commerce plays a key role in grasping the opportunities of international markets.

From the glens to graphene

Lessons for UK firms on how to make the most of international markets

silver car auto factory assembly line man employee engineer ICAEW economy business

Part one: Navigating a changing world of trade

International trade and strong supply chains are a cornerstone of economic growth and opportunity. Here, we examine the key challenges UK businesses face when trading internationally, while the next article considers possible solutions.

world planet earth globe circles rays of light blue international trade ICAEW economy business

Part two: How to reinvigorate the UK’s international trade performance

The UK’s international trade activity is falling behind that of its economic peers. Here, we examine what changes are needed from policymakers and business to close that gap and why chartered accountants are so well-placed to help them.

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International trade: How Ramsden International reinvented its business model after Brexit

International grocery wholesaler Ramsden International endured a torrid couple of years in the wake of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. However, long-term planning investing in people and expert advice have helped it come through the other side.

Mike Younger, Financial Director and ICAEW member Ian Macleod Distillers

Making the most of international markets: From the glens to graphene

Engaging with international markets brings many benefits but more UK companies should take the plunge. Two very different firms show how buying and selling overseas can make organisations more successful and resilient.

More support on e-commerce

The UK's E-Commerce Trade Commission has been created to help small businesses start and grow through e-commerce, including how to use e-commerce to expand into new countries.

Find support

Building a workforce of the future

The number one concern of many businesses up and down the UK is having access to the right skills. The are no quick fixes but any solution requires long-term policies that enable businesses, educators and policymakers to collaborate and build a workforce together.

Denim, data and developing skills

Lessons on how to address some of the most pressing skills problems facing the UK economy.

Part one: The UK’s skills gap and what’s gone wrong

For a generation, a shortage of skills has undermined business confidence, investment, and productivity across the UK, and so limited economic growth and left us more exposed to inflation shocks. Here, we look at what’s causing this shortage and, in the next article, ideas for addressing it.

Part two: How to close the UK’s skills gap

Addressing the UK’s labour supply and skills gap is no easy task, but policymakers, business, and the chartered accountants that advise them have a key role to play.

Closing the UK’s skills gap: Denim, data and developing skills

Having the right people available for the right jobs in the right place is one of the key foundations of a healthy and resilient economy, and one that’s often eluded the UK. Two companies provide lessons for how we can start to address this.

Employee engagement and productivity: Cooper Parry

Accountancy firm and ICAEW member Cooper Parry has long taken an innovative approach to staff well-being and happiness. But in the post-pandemic world, things like flexible and remote working no longer made it stand out, so it’s updating its employee offer.

Renewing economic growth

Poor productivity has held back the UK economy for decades. Settled policies that encourage investment by well-managed companies to generate sustainable long-term growth will address this and greatly benefit the communities in which those companies are based.

A recipe for growth

A local economic success story in Leeds offers broader lessons for how to encourage investment and so boost productivity.

building new construction skyscraper crane city ICAEW economy

Part one: Understanding the UK’s productivity problem

Poor productivity has upset many UK economic success stories across the past half century. There’s no smoking gun or obvious culprit but rather a number of complex reasons.

building new skyscraper window reflection sun sunset sunrise city ICAEW economy

Part two: Tackling the UK’s productivity problem

The UK’s persistently poor productivity must be tackled to renew economic growth and raise living standards. Businesses and accountants have a core role in that endeavour.

Charles Platts ACA, Paragraf CFO Graphene-based electronic devices manufacturer man lab coat

Starting a new chapter: Paragraf’s concerns over scaling up

The Cambridgeshire-based tech firm should be in the vanguard of UK economic success, but getting to a scale that will make a real difference to the economy is harder than it should be.

Jenny McMillan ACA Head of Finance Northern Block ICAEW member

A recipe for growth: Investing for a more productive economy

Long-term investment to build profitable businesses is a crucial part of boosting productivity. A thriving food and drink sector in Leeds is showing the way forward.