UK organisations exporting products for use by the education sector overseas have seen an increase in demand of £23 million to £361 million in 2011.
The British Educational Suppliers Association’s (BESA) findings come from a survey of BESA member organisations that represented £1.74 billion of sales in 2011. The research, carried out in conjunction with the National Education Research Panel (NERP), analyses the value of exported goods from the UK and provides a forecast for exporting in 2012.
73 per cent of respondents gave a positive outlook for export sales in 2012 compared to 68 per cent in 2011.
The 2010 survey indicated an increasing trend in the sector, with 2011 export sales 6.8 per cent higher than in 2010, after already strong 2010 export sales which were 11.8 per cent higher than in 2009.
Ray Barker, director, BESA commented: “Recent research of school spending in the UK has shown that despite the sector’s perception, budgets are still strong. It is heartening that our member organisations are also seeing a growth in the opportunities provided by schools and colleges overseas.
The UK market for education products and services across schools and colleges is in excess of £2.8 billion, with 62 per cent of this generated by BESA members. The standards and code of business practice that we have ensured our members abide by over the years is hopefully recognised and respected by schools across the world.”
