BUSINESSES in the North-East have been urged to set their sights on Europe and look at the opportunities created by the newly-enlarged European Union.
The advice came from the Minister for Europe, Dr Denis MacShane, when he opened the Regional International Trade Office in Dur-ham.
The office is designed to help North-East businesses succeed in international trade.
More than £9.2m is being invested to help North-East businesses export goods and services abroad.
Dr MacShane also visited Just Paintball, in Darlington, a booming North-East business which is set to grow by 1,000 per cent over the next two years.
Jim Mann, who set up the company three years ago, is about to clinch an overseas deal to supply paintballing clothing and accessories to Europe and America.
Dr MacShane said: "The EU single market allows companies like Just Paintball to look beyond our shores, and target 450 million potential customers.
"The success of Just Paintball shows that if you can spot a niche then it doesn't matter how big or small your business is, there are opportunities to be seized in Europe."
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