NEARLY 200 medium sized businesses in Yorkshire are using Government support to break into new overseas markets.

Mark Robson, regional director of UKTI, the government department that helps UK exporters, said: “In Yorkshire we have been quick out of the blocks to support medium sized businesses and it is hugely encouraging that just under a third are now working with UKTI to grow their overseas business.

“It is a healthy total, especially in the context that a substantial number of the remaining two thirds are less likely to require our support because of the nature of their business operation.

“That said, we are continuing to engage and are determined to work with even more medium sized business in the year ahead. In order to continue building our understanding of their business needs, we will be sitting down with groups clients in the next few weeks to better understand what support they need from us.”

Trade minister Lord Livingston said the number of medium sized firms assisted by UKTI rose by 2,000 in the past year.

Encouraging more medium sized firms to export was a vital part of the Government’s long-term economic plan to create jobs and reduce the deficit.

Lord Livingston said: “Medium Sized Businesses can be the driving force of the UK economy. By trebling the number receiving support from UKTI to over 3,000, we are helping to create jobs and growth across the UK.”