Bradford firms are being given a chance to boost their exports by joining a trade mission to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Business Link Bradford & District is offering "huge opportunities" to firms at an event in the New Year which will sign people up to the mission.

It has linked up with the Department of Trade and Industry and Business Links in Barnsley and Doncaster to promote the event on January 15.

The bosses are invited to an Export Explorer event at the Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield.

Bradford's Business Link expects many firms to show an interest in the chance to export to the Netherlands and Belgium as it has already enlisted 17 companies from the district on a similar trip to Denmark in February.

The Export Explorer is designed to assist small and medium businesses to start exporting for the first time and help those with limited export experience to do more. Each of the missions is subsidised by the DTI.

Francoise Joyce, export development adviser at Bradford's Business Link, said: "The missions to the Netherlands and Belgium will give companies new opportunities. British goods are very popular in both countries and UK firms can find success in all sectors."

UK trade to the Netherlands totalled £9 billion last year and between January and August this year has already reached £8.46 billion.

"The Export Explorer package is an excellent programme which provides firms with a great way to get into exporting and for existing exporters to expand their business."

Neil Wilson, the Government Office representative at Business Link said: "The Dutch economy is thriving and offers a wealth of opportunities for companies in all sectors. This programme has been very successful so far and I would urge any interested firms to give us a call at Business Link."

For further information about the missions contact Francoise Joyce or Nev Breedon on 01274 751385.

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