International marketing strategy in the electronics industry: a follow‐up investigation of UK SMEs 18 months after the export withdrawal decision

Abstract

This paper reports on a follow‐up study to an investigation concerning reasons why a sample of high‐tech oriented UK smaller‐sized firms discontinued export activities. It provides a longitudinal, qualitative perspective that contributes to knowledge at the international strategic marketing/entrepreneurship interface by reporting on their business activities 18 months after the initial study was undertaken. The investigation provides recommendations for policy makers in the provision of trade assistance programmes to high‐tech firms of this type that are finding it difficult to compete in overseas markets.