HALTON businesses are being encouraged to sell their goods and services abroad.

An export fair is being held in Runcorn to show firms how they could benefit by developing new overseas markets.

It is the brainchild of Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans who has teamed up with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to organise the event.

The seminar entitled ‘Your Export Journey’ will be held on Tuesday, February 7, from 9.30am to 1pm, at The Atrium, Daresbury Laboratory in Keckwick Lane.

Mr Evans said: “Last year, companies in the north west alone exported £26 billion worth of products. The evidence is that exporting is good for your business.

“On average, firms new to international trade experience a 34 per cent increase in productivity during the year they start exporting.”

A local company will share their experiences and demonstrate how they export successfully.

Businesses will be shown a tried and tested method of how to export, from the basics through to gaining the first order.

They will discover the importance of being well prepared for market, using research and linking into partner support providers.

Experts will offer advice on financing export trade.

Firms will find out about the wealth of practical support and guidance that is available as they embark on a new exporting journey.

Mr Evans added: “This event is aimed at small and medium sized enterprises which are successful in their own right but have never thought of the opportunities that exporting can bring.

“They will be able to learn about the range of support services available and benefit from practical export knowledge.”

Clive Drinkwater, regional director of UKTI north west and Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs will be among the guest speakers.

To register, visit exportingcheshire.eventbrite.co.uk or call Nicola Davies on 0161 875 2351 or e-mail events@uktinorthwest.co.uk Graham Evans