Bradford firms are being given a chance to win big deals in Finland.

Business Link Bradford & District is running a trade mission to the country on May 5.

Francoise Joyce, the trade mission leader, said today: "Finland has one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe with a growth of five per cent in 1997 and expected growth of four per cent this year."

She said Finland was the UK's third largest supplier so there were many opportunities for Bradford firms there.

She is the export development adviser at the district's Business Link.

According to the commercial section of the British Embassy, Finland is an excellent market for high quality British consumer goods as well as providing good opportunities for hi-tech firms to do deals.

The country is also well known for companies which respond quickly to firms looking for business.

Firms from the Scandinavian country also have a reputation for payment on time and the high cost economy allows for good margins.

The trade mission will fly to Helsinki on May 5 and return on May 8 which will give bosses two days to meet potential clients.

The mission also includes a reception at the British Embassy on May 6 and people going on it will also be given a list of contacts to help them work up deals with companies in the country.

Business Link has won funding to help subsidise the cost of the trade mission for Bradford firms. The full cost of the four-day trip is £700.

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