Santander has enlisted former Manchester United footballer and pundit Gary Neville to encourage small businesses to expand overseas.
The entrepreneur, who has a business empire spanning property development, online media and hospitality, said entrepreneurs often have to “take a risk” when it comes to growing internationally.
Santander’s survey of about 2,000 business leaders found that more than half of small businesses have an ambition to expand internationally, but that a similar proportion are held back by fears of getting it wrong.
Separate research from the bank found that 51% of international businesses have improved their performance over the past year, compared with 44% of those who operate only in the UK.
Santander’s campaign saw Neville travel to Warsaw in Poland to share advice with a Preston-based fashion business wanting to get started in the new country.
The footballing star said: “I’ve started several businesses, and there are always moments where you have to take a risk – deciding to trade abroad is one of those moments.
“We’re in a challenging economic climate right now but there’s so many business owners with great ideas out there.”
Since his retirement from playing football for Manchester United, Neville has built a portfolio of business interests, including luxury hotels, an investment company, and part-owning League Two club Salford City FC.
He shared details of his business and sporting careers at a sold-out Music Hall last week at the Chamber's Ultimate Masterclass Festival.
He made a guest appearance on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den as an investor early this year, reaching deals with budding entrepreneurs.