VINCE Cable was in Newcastle today (Monday) promoting the simple message that Exporting is GREAT – as a campaign targeting over 100,000 businesses across the North gets underway.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) wants to reach small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber believed to be export ready.

The Business Secretary said: “Supporting more businesses to export is crucial for Britain and helps to spread sustainable growth across the regions. We want to reach the many SMEs across the North-East who are ready to sell offshore, but have yet to take the plunge. 

“British products, services and expertise are in demand across the world yet less than a quarter of UK firms currently export. UKTI international trade advisors can help new exporters at every step of the way with practical advice and support to seek out new international customers.”

Barclays branches in the North East, North West and Yorkshire & Humber are supporting the campaign. Barclays will be encouraging their corporate clients and business banking customers to arrange an appointment with one of UKTI's International Trade Advisors. Branches in these regions will also display the campaign posters and have leaflets available to take away.

Paul Shanks, Barclays director for trade and working capital, said: "UKTI's Exporting is GREAT campaign is an important initiative. There is a world of potential export markets out there. 

"By targeting new markets our corporate clients and business banking customers can grow stronger, more secure and become more profitable."

Cundall, a Newcastle-based international engineering and design consultancy, is also backing the Exporting is GREAT campaign. 

Carole O'Neill, Cundall’s human resources and training partner, said: Carole O'Neil, Cundall’s human resources and training partner, said: "In the last 10 years, with UKTI support, Cundall has grown from a small British practice to an international consultancy with 20 offices across 11 countries and over 25 per cent of our income originates from outside the UK.

"We continue to focus on new and existing international markets and winning significant projects. Our involvement at the London 2012 Olympics helps to strengthen our international profile."

Businesses can visit the campaign site online or call free on 0800 093 1655 to find out more. They will be offered personal appointments with UKTI international trade advisors who can offer a range of export support including overseas market research and access to trade shows.

Further information is available at www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk.