Britain's greatest exports list announced
14/01/2009 17:18:00
2009 might have begun with our economy and manufacturing exports in decline but our international impact still holds strong. A new survey to find out who or what made Britain's Greatest Exports list shows there is still one export we can rely on - our people - who send exceptional British talent and skills overseas.
The survey from leading development charity VSO found that over (60%) of respondents agree that it is people not products who are our best exports, with almost half of people in the UK (45%) saying they make us proud to be British. Topping the charts in the UK's list of favourite cultural exports are leading lights from sport, music and literature:
Lewis Hamilton (45%)
JK Rowling (41%)
Leona Lewis (31%)
David Beckham (28%)
Whilst at the bottom of the exports list are Amy Winehouse and Russell Brand with less than (2%) of votes, languishing just below our most famous politicians.
Famous exports play an important role in inspiring young people today to want to contribute more to society (28%) and what many of us (31%) most admire about our favourite exports is that they are ordinary people who have gone on to achieve extraordinary things. In fact, it isn't just our celebrities that come top of the charts, (62%) thought a member of their own family had the qualities that would make them one of Britain's Greatest Exports.
Judith Brodie Director of VSO UK said: "These survey findings offer some light amidst the doom and gloom and support what VSO has always believed - that our greatest assets are our skilled and talented people. The positive impact that ordinary people can have on other lives around the world can never be underestimated and is what VSO was founded on.
Contrary to popular belief, the economic downturn means there has never been a more important time to volunteer overseas, as people are vital to help countries that are experiencing even more severe consequences of the economic crisis than we are in the UK.
VSO is currently recruiting skilled professionals to volunteer overseas in the fields of education, health and business and we hope that many people will take the opportunity provided by the 2009 economic crisis to join Britain's greatest exports list".
Claudia Orell returned from Thailand in April 2008 after spending eighteen months as a fundraising advisor. She says, "Volunteering with VSO has changed my outlook and perspectives on the world. It can be really tough but it is also the most rewarding work I have ever done".
VSO exists to share skills with people and communities in developing countries – so that they can improve their life chances and overcome poverty themselves and VSO's skilled professionals continue to make a vital difference in countries around the world. But the benefits are not just felt overseas - VSO volunteers now living back in the UK all find they are able to achieve extraordinary things and make a real difference to others lives.
ENDS
For further information or to speak to a VSO spokesperson please contact Claire Lynch on 020 8780 7410 / Claire.lynch@vso.org.uk or Rachel Trayner on 020 8780 7313/ Rachel.Trayner@vso.org.uk
Editor's notes
VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers. Since 1958 over 43,000 volunteers have worked in over 120 countries. Today there are over 1600 international volunteers working in 42 countries around the world.
VSO recruits volunteers from a wide range of professional backgrounds. The strongest need is for experienced managers, professionals with experience of working in primary education, and doctors and midwives. VSO can use financial professionals where they have strong planning or management expertise.
Research for VSO was carried out online by Opinion Matters / Tickbox.net between the 18th of December and 22nd of December 2008 among a nationally representative sample of 1406 UK adults aged 16+.
VSO provides volunteers with flights, accommodation, and an allowance to cover basic costs. UK public sector professionals volunteering for between six months and two years are entitled to claim pension contributions providing they return to the public sector for a minimum of six months on their return to the UK.
Meet VSO events give people the opportunity to chat with VSO staff and returned volunteers about the volunteer experience. To find out more visit www.vso.org.uk/events
