A DIRECTOR of a County Durham education and training company is hoping to win business for the North-East after joining David Cameron's trade mission to South East Asia last week.

Justine Crozier, International Development Director with Learning Curve Group based in Bishop Auckland, joined representatives from 61 other UK companies as part of UKTI’s Northern Powerhouse trip.

Learning Curve Group is England’s largest education subcontractor partner, leading the development and publication of distance learning courses used by about 4,000 businesses.

Ms Crozier said: “It is incredibly important to Learning Curve Group to be part of a trade mission that is opening doors for British business in South East Asia.

"We believe there is huge untapped potential for our training and education products and services in this part of the world, and this is the best possible opportunity for us to enjoy the highest level of support that will allow us to explore that.

"The support and presence of the Prime Minister and Business Secretary gives this trade mission an unparalleled profile and one that will help to open doors to the people and organisations with whom we want to meet and do business.

"The Northern Powerhouse mission is an invaluable initiative and one which can bring only positives to our business and those of other UK companies. I am delighted to be part of this exciting visit."

Mr Cameron and his team, which included Business Secretary Sajid Javid visited Singapore and Malaysia to strengthen trade links.

He said: “The government is committed to ensuring the UK’s northern regions play their part in rebalancing our economy.

“With so much untapped potential, I’m delighted to be part of this first Northern Powerhouse trade mission – the first of what I hope will be many.”