NORTH-East air and sea links and the region's connectivity to global markets including the United States will be under the spotlight at a major regional manufacturing event this month.

The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) has organised the transport themed event in South Shields on Wednesday, December 17, to look at how the region's businesses can increase their international sales and establish a stronger presence overseas.

Chris Sanders, aviation development director for Newcastle International Airport, and Den Barrington from Port of Tyne are guest speakers.

Mr Sanders will outline the airport's strategy for 2015 and how it will support the region's manufacturing sector as well as updating the audience on the launch of the United Airlines New York route in May.

The five-times weekly direct flights from the region will be available until September 2015, however that could be extended if the demand is there.

Mr Barrington will be talking about what Port of Tyne is doing to support North-East businesses, the latest A1 and A19 proposals and how other key regional production projects are set to affect the North-East's broader transport infrastructure.

Ian Fawdon, chairman of the AMF, said: "Transport is a hot topic at the moment with various national politicians debating its importance and the Adonis report outlining how vital transport links are to the economic growth and development of the North-East.

"For regional manufacturers transport is a major element of their business strategy; having access to national and overseas trade markets can have a huge impact on their sales and growth so it was something we felt we should look at in greater detail.

"Two of the most important facilities we have in this region are Newcastle International Airport and the Port of Tyne so we're delighted to have Chris and Den as guest speakers, who can outline to the audience how our air and sea links will develop in the future."

The event is being held at One Trinity Green in South Shields from noon until 2pm. To book your place email jack.rae@advancedmanufacturingforum.co.uk.