Trade Partners UK has appointed a mentoring manager to help North-East firms make the most of opportunities in international trade.

Simon Crosby, from Whitley Bay, has accepted the challenge of developing and introducing a mentoring programme to help small and medium-sized firms across the region develop their export business.

Although based with the international trade team at Business Link Tees Valley, Mr Crosby will have a region-wide role and will be looking for mentors across the region to pass on their knowledge and expertise to firms involved in international trade.