Member Article

International trade boost for the North East

Business & Enterprise North East has secured £6m from the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 through regional development agency One North East. This adds to £3m from UK Trade & Investment to fund the ‘Enhancing International Trade’ programme, with a further £3m contribution to come from participating enterprises.

The money is aimed at addressing ‘current market failures’, and several agencies will work with eligible businesses to make the best use of the fund.

Alastair MacColl, chief executive of Business & Enterprise North East, the organisation that runs the UK Trade & Investment and Business Link services in the region, said: “This new support package will be a welcome boost to North East businesses looking to expand into overseas markets.

“We are fortunate to have a large number of innovative businesses in this region that are ripe for expansion into overseas markets. By offering support and guidance, this service will ensure that North East enterprises stand the best possible chance of entering foreign markets, and succeeding in them.”

David Coppock, UK Trade & Investment’s International Trade Director, said: “These services funded with EU support will add to and enhance the range of international trade support available through UK Trade & Investment to both new and experienced exporters. With the exchange rate favourable to North East exporters, we urge companies to take advantage of the opportunities in overseas markets.”

For more information, go to www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/north_east, or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .