THE Government has been urged to appoint a Small Business Trade Minister to help increase the number of small businesses that export.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in the North- East says having a voice at the top table would also help fly the flag for small businesses in key growth markets.

The Government has identified exporting as a potential driver for economic growth.

FSB research shows that the number of its members that export doubled between 2009 and last year.

Simon Hanson, for the FSB, said: “Helping more small businesses to export will stimulate the economic growth in the North-East and, in turn, help drive the growth of the UK economy.”

He believes the minister could be responsible for raising the profile of North-East small businesses.