Suchergebnisse

UK-U.S. Partnership has a historical legacy in the political, cultural, and economic matters concerning both countries mutually. Trade has played a significant role in boosting economic relationships between both countries. This study aims to study SMEs' role (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the post-COVID trade policy with an emphasis on technological transformation and economic recovery. Data shows that SMEs have risen to prominence in the last decade in both countries; SMEs consists of more than 95% of businesses and are employing close to 50% or more in both countries. SME traders from the U.K. mutually identify the U.S. as a significant destination for imports and exports in the next three years. COVID-19 has disrupted businesses worldwide, forcing businesses to rethink their business strategies, especially the SMEs. We aim to look at how global pandemic, trade, business policy blend together under the context of changing technology and supply chains around the world. We suggest the need for rigorous and integrated approach to trade policy going forward which will play a major role in the business ecosystems for the two countries. This study points to the research noting the importance of SME entrepreneurial employers' presence in the last economic recovery. The key is to achieve a cluster of SME supply chains collaborating and inter-linked with inherent entrepreneurial leadership and innovation within specific markets. In the present scenario, it is not the size but the quality of business relationships that can accelerate core competencies and tie companies to each other across the supply chain. SMEs' flexibility is a vital tool to gain efficiencies, and bilateral free trade agreements can prove to be a useful tool to gain greater flexibility due to better trust and trade connectedness, as observed in the literature.

The present extensive literature analysis and interview study, with consumers living in Washington state, USA, set out to explore consumers' perceptions of quality, safety, and transparency and see how these influence shopping preferences. Literature review included global studies which looked at food transparency, safety, quality, food certifications and environmental concerns. The findings indicate that organic foods are often linked to health, nutrition, environmental concerns as well as presence of children, and quality is measured by assessing freshness, taste, nutrition and traceability. Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where their food comes, expressing willingness to switch to more transparent brands. Additionally, welfare of animals reared for consumption and support for local agriculture is also important to consumers, who are willing to pay more for organic products. However, this willingness also depends on demographic factors, such as gender, educational level, income or age. The results of the interviews yielded similar findings. Participants were guided by subjective perceptions of food quality and concerns driven by personal values and ethical and environmental considerations. Food safety was confusing for almost all of the consumers in this study, with many expecting stores to provide safe foods. The study utilized a concept testing method to evaluate the concept of food transparency and examine how it compares against the established food certifications (organic and free-range). Consumers exhibited trust in organic labels, expecting organic farming to ensure good farming practices and quality of life for animals reared for consumption; however, they were also aware that this trust is based on assumptions. As a result, they were receptive to more accurate and transparent information, that could guide their decisions and give them more certainty. Transparency concept was seen as a useful tool in identifying quality products that align with personal values, such as supporting local food producers, and was received well with consumers in the present study.

Keywords: food transparency, food quality, food safety, ethics, values, environment, agriculture, grocery shopping, food.