University of Ulster retailing expert Dr Karise Hutchinson has been chosen to lead a UK-wide research study to help boost the international export profile of British retailing.

Dr Hutchinson – from the School of Business, Retail and Financial Services at Coleraine  –has secured funding to develop research exploring the reasons why UK retailers find it so difficult to expand into the global marketplace.

Her project recognises that many retailers face formidable barriers to overseas expansion. 

The study also directly addresses the recommendation by the Department of Trade and Industry in 2002 that ‘government should examine and argue for the opening of markets to British companies, attempting to reduce barriers to entry’. 

The ultimate aim will be to provide recommendations for UK policy makers to help them develop effective support programmes to aid UK retailers in expensing their international operations

Dr Hutchinson said:  “The value of this project lies in capturing in-depth company information and translating this data for the government into relevant support measures.  Support programmes for the manufacturing sector are already well-developed, but there is a need for research to underpin policy formation for the retailing sector.

“I am delighted that the British Academy has agreed to fund this research and am confident that the outcomes will help to clarify the opportunities for the retail sector in Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole”

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young