Speculate to accumulate many more 'export champions," says BCC chief Eurozone companies are also "increasingly targeting UK sales given weak demand" on the Continent, they said. A recent BCC survey, meanwhile, found that the proportion of its 104,000 member businesses that are actively exporting has risen from 32pc in 2012 to 39pc this year. Cause for cautious optimism, then, but at the moment merely suggestive of huge "untapped potential" among British exporters, Mr Longworth believes. It is crucial, he says, that companies can secure "simple and affordable" finance as well as improved advice on the ground if growing appetite for overseas trade is not to be "choked off." It would not be the first time that has happened, he warns. We've seen exporting increase sharply among our members, only to be choked off because they can't get the working capital to support the orders. Small and medium-sized exporters in particular also need much more expert guidance and help with finding the right partners in target markets, Longworth argues. A significant funding boost for UK Trade & Investment, the Government's export agency, would be a start. We need a step change in export support over the next two years. The Chancellor said exporting was a crucial part of rebalancing the economy, yet the Government spends about £250m on international trade support and about £12bn on overseas aid. A fraction of the overseas aid budget would solve it. The BCC is already helping UKTI to set up chambers of commerce in 20 key emerging markets, but Longworth wants more: any small business trading overseas for the first time should be able easily to get the best commercial advice. They need practical on-the-ground support, not sponsored cocktail parties. The Germans have the Rolls-Royce version of export support - overseas chambers with a German in charge, but staffed by local people who know the local networks. Exporters have their hands held by a client services manager. You need introductions to potential customers and partners, professional services firms and help setting up a supply chain. It's a punt to get on a plane to Brazil and go to sell. You need help at the other end from people who have done it and understand the market, rather than just hearing what the Government thinks. Jon Coleman, chairman of the British Exporters Association, says it's understandable that many small firms choose to stay at home - but adds that those that do give selling abroad a go might be in for a pleasant surprise. If you're used to dealing domestically, it's a known world, you're close to the customers. It's fear of the unknown. You start thinking about a whole lot of risks, from currency to legal requirements, customs and excise, and of course culture and language. You end up selling down the road and sticking to what you know. But there are a lot of misconceptions. Companies try exporting and think, why didn't I do this before? Each day this week, The Telegraph will be profiling a British business that is enjoying soaring sales in overseas markets to discover how they've done it - and what might encourage more of their counterparts to dip their toes in to exporting. It can be easier than some companies think, Coleman says. If you don't get burned on your first experience, you generally find life gets a lot easier. There are clear benefits to a disbursed customer base - you are much more likely to survive and thrive as an exporter than those with just one market. Like Longworth, he also thinks UKTI's budget should be beefed up and proposes copying the French system of giving loans for travelling to target markets and the creation of foreign language websites. The backing is repaid only as business is won. Mr Longworth says it's time for British businesses to "give it a go" in overseas markets. The time to act on these opportunities is now, as only then will the UK stand a chance at competing with the rest of the world, and driving our economic recovery for years to come.