Last updated at 12:30, Tuesday, 06 November 2012

BUSINESSES in Cumbria are being encouraged to take part in a week of events aimed at boosting exports from the region.

SUPPORTING EXPORTS: Clive Drinkwater, NW regional director of UKTI S92602B

UK Trade & Investment(UKTI) – the government body set up to help increase trade abroad – has teamed up with business leaders across the country for Export Week, taking place next week.

Export Week is a national event supported by the Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Green, as part of a drive to double UK exports to £1 trillion by 2020 and get 100,000 more companies exporting.

Events in Cumbria include a seminar on November 15 at Windermere with two of the county’s most successful female entrepreneurs – Maria Whitehead from Hawkshead Relish and Melissa Burton from Goody Good Stuff. They will speak on the rewards of exporting and how they grew and developed their businesses by moving into exports.

Sandra Thornber, international trade adviser for UKTI North West will also give advice on the services, assistance and opportunities offered by of UKTI.

Other events taking place during Export Week include a trip to the world’s largest event devoted to low-carbon building.

A search will also be launched for new Export Champions in the North West to inspire and mentor those businesses new to exporting.

Clive Drinkwater, UKTI’s regional director for the North West, said: “The value of exports from North West businesses was estimated at more than £26bn last year, providing a massive boost to the region’s economy.

“I hope the events taking place during Export Week will encourage even more businesses and entrepreneurs to start trading abroad, and I’m sure our new Export Champions will be able to provide the expertise and support companies need.

“We’ll be providing free advice throughout the week on how exports can help businesses to grow, and the Export Insight Visits offer a low-cost way of visiting potential new markets overseas.

“Virtually any company can export its products and services – from one-man operations to large corporations employing hundreds – and there are plenty of opportunities for North West businesses to get exporting.”

More information on Export Week and the events taking place in Cumbria is available at www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk.

First published at 12:27, Tuesday, 06 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk