UK Launches Strategic Plan to Boost Services Exports

New trade strategy aims to unlock £5 billion in global opportunities for Britain’s high-value service sectors

LONDON – The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive new trade strategy with a sharp focus on services exports, aiming to strengthen the country’s global economic presence and capitalize on its world-leading industries in finance, legal services, education, technology, and digital innovation.

Services currently account for 80% of the UK economy and nearly 50% of total exports. The new strategy is designed to enhance the UK’s competitive edge in these sectors, unlocking an estimated £5 billion in additional trade and positioning the country as a global hub for high-value, knowledge-based services.

The plan sets out key priorities, including negotiating advanced digital trade agreements, improving regulatory cooperation, and expanding access to high-growth international markets across Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. A major component of the strategy is the pursuit of mutual recognition agreements for UK professional qualifications, which would enable smoother entry for British service providers into foreign markets.

To support these goals, the government will launch a Global Services Export Hub, a digital platform offering UK businesses tailored export advice, real-time market intelligence, and support navigating regulatory environments. The hub will also provide tools for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale internationally and connect with global clients more efficiently.

Additional measures include the deployment of new trade envoys to key regions and targeted export support for UK service clusters such as financial services in London, legal expertise in Leeds, and digital innovation in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol.

Industry leaders have welcomed the strategy as a significant and timely investment in Britain’s economic future. Miles Celic, Chief Executive of TheCityUK, stated: “This is a smart, forward-looking plan that recognises the enormous potential of the UK’s services sector. Strengthening our international presence in these areas is vital for long-term growth.”

With UK services exports valued at over £470 billion in 2023, the strategy marks a decisive shift in trade policy moving beyond goods and manufacturing to focus on the UK’s comparative advantage in talent, innovation, and expertise. The government aims to ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of the global services economy in the years ahead.