The United Kingdom's first E-Commerce Commission commenced its operations on June 13 with the aim of encouraging 70,000 small British businesses to engage in online trading and exports, with a goal of contributing £9.3 billion to the economy. Comprised of leading experts in the field, the Commission is the first of its kind and will function as an advisory group directly affiliated with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The Commission's primary objective is to assist small businesses which form the backbone of the economy in the UK, in capitalizing on e-commerce opportunities and benefiting from recently signed trade agreements.

 The Commission, composed of industry experts, will serve as an advisory group to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Its primary objective is to help UK small businesses capitalize on e-commerce trade opportunities and take advantage of recently signed trade deals. The Commission was formed by the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) and will be chaired by its Director General, Marco Forgione. Major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba, eBay, Google, and Shopify are part of the Commission, along with organizations like the Federation of Small Businesses, ICAEW, and AICES. The Commission's launch was attended by the Secretary of State for Business & Trade, who emphasized the importance of digital trade for increasing UK exports. A report from the Social Market Foundation, commissioned by Amazon and supported by the IOE&IT, revealed that there is untapped potential for 70,000 more UK small businesses to export, potentially contributing £9.3 billion to the economy. The report also highlighted the significant benefits of e-commerce exports for businesses, with average annual revenues of £100,000 for retail businesses selling overseas through a website.

The Commission will focus on three key areas:

  • Perception: The Commission will monitor demand and supply side perceptions of the UK to international customers, regularly benchmarking and measuring British small businesses' ability to conduct e-commerce trade through regular surveys.
  • Promotion: The Commission will reach 70,000 businesses by April 2025 through campaign events, educational content and case studies, to improve knowledge and understanding of where businesses can access the support they need.
  • Policy: The Commission will work with the DBT to develop policies that support the growth of e-commerce exports from the UK.

The launch of the E-Commerce Trade Commission is a significant step in the UK's efforts to increase its exports through e-commerce. The Commission has the potential to help thousands of small businesses reach new markets and grow their businesses.

The Commission's work is likely to have a positive impact on the UK economy. By helping small businesses to export through e-commerce, the Commission can help to create jobs and boost economic growth.

Here are some possible outcomes of the Commission's work:

  • More small businesses will start exporting through e-commerce.
  • Small businesses will export to new markets.
  • Small businesses will increase their sales and profits.
  • The UK economy will grow.

The Commission's work is an important step in the UK's efforts to become a global leader in e-commerce. The Commission has the potential to help thousands of small businesses reach new markets and grow their businesses, which will have a positive impact on the UK economy.

by Ekin CENGİZ