DETAILS of how businesses in the region can access a £12m package of export support have been released.

As reported in The Northern Echo yesterday, the European and public sectorfinanced package will help more than 1,000 North-East businesses start exporting.

The Enhancing International Trade scheme is being delivered by Business and Enterprise North-East, which secured £6m from the EU and £3m from UK Trade and Investment.

Support includes financial help and sending experts into small businesses.

Alastair MacColl, the chief executive of Business and Enterprise North-East, which runs the UK Trade and Investment and Business Link services in the region, said: “We are fortunate to have a large number of innovative businesses in this region that are ripe for expansion into overseas markets.

“By offering support and guidance, this service will ensure that North-East enterprises stand the best possible chance of entering foreign markets and succeeding.”

For more information on accessing the services, call 0845- 050-5054, or go to uktrade invest.gov.uk/ukti/north_east