Businesses in Skipton which want to export to the USA are being helped by Business Link North Yorkshire.

Business Link is promoting Export USA which offers small companies, particularly those with innovative products, services or processes a package designed to help them trade in America. Business Link North Yorkshire export adviser Malcolm Blackwell said: "The US market holds enormous potential for companies in the Skipton area. Of its £31 billion value in 1997, £21 billion came from the export of manufactured goods and the rest from service industries.

"The initiative is for businesses nationwide with only 50 companies nationally being selected. This presents a very valuable opportunity. Two of the biggest difficulties in tackling the US export market are the sheer size of the country and their different approach to marketing. For some small businesses, these can be insurmountable. While the criteria are precise - businesses must be innovative and be prepared to pay the £1,000 commitment fee to be considered - we want to find ten businesses in North Yorkshire, including Skipton, who want to qualify as soon as possible."

Businesses in the Skipton area are also being invited to apply for a visit to the Hanover Trade Fair '99, a major showcase for industrial technology, on April 22. The trip costs £299 per person.

For details contact the Business Link Information Centre on 01904 686000.

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