SMALL and medium-sized businesses in the region hoping to become exporters could benefit from a £10m programme.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and trade organisations have launched a scheme to enable companies to gain new export opportunities by attending any of 600 events overseas.

The Tradeshow Access Programme (Tap) - formerly known as Support for Exhibitions and Seminars Abroad (Sesa) - offers companies grants to take part in the events.

Trade Minister Ian Pearson said: "This is good news for new exporters who want to enter overseas markets through participating in trade shows. It is a big programme of some 600 exhibitions in 54 countries."

Business eligible for the programme will receive up to three fixed-amount grants of £1,800 for taking part in groups, or £1,500 for independent participation in shows. To apply, consult the list of events on the UKTI website www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk or call 0845 050 5054.