Institute says new approach to trade support by government will be vital 

Ben Derbyshire

RIBA wants ministers to do more to boost architect firms鈥� export potential following the UK鈥檚 departure from the EU next March.

With one in five architects looking to expand internationally 鈥� but with most practices working only in the UK 鈥� RIBA said a new approach to trade was vital if the UK wished to 鈥渉arness the untapped export potential of leading global services like architecture鈥�.

RIBA has made to the government including a long-term, cross-government export strategy to promote British expertise in architectural services and the built environment; export finance on more attractive terms for architectural practices; more accessible and transparent promotion of government trade support to small firms, and greater in-country backing with dispute resolution, non-payment and regulatory challenges.

It said that while many of the UK鈥檚 largest architecture practices already exported their services overseas the new measures would create the right circumstances for smaller firms to seek international opportunities.

RIBA president Ben Derbyshire (pictured) said: 鈥淚f the UK is to retain its role as a global centre for architecture, the Government needs to help by supporting the sector to export its services. The UK鈥檚 leading role as exporters of architectural services can be developed in support of the post Brexit economy if Government follows the recommendations set out by the RIBA. This includes guaranteeing mutual recognition of professional qualifications with the EU and new agreements with other countries.鈥�

The RIBA said many more of its members would like to do business overseas but often complained the barriers could prove too great.

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