NORTH-EAST Olympians Steve Cram and Chris Cook will pass on their tips for achieving international success at an export event being held at Durham County Cricket Club.

Competing for International Contracts: London 2012 and Beyond, has been organised by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and Compete North- East to highlight the business opportunities available in the run-up to global sporting events such as Poland/ Ukraine Euro 2012, Brazil World Cup 2014, and Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

John Doolan, one of UKTI’s international trade advisors, said: “Over the next ten years numerous global sporting events will take place that will offer huge business opportunities.

“UK Trade and Investment can help North-East firms to break into this potentially lucrative market and I will be urging companies to go along to this event to learn more.”

Mr Cram, a London 2012 ambassador, will host the event, which includes a chance to hear first-hand how companies from the region have benefitted from the opportunities presented by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Among the speakers will be Alan Richardson, from Hart Door Systems.

The Newcastle-based company, supplied all the fire and security roller shutters for the London 2012 Olympic stadium.

The company also took part in a UKTI-organised trade mission to Brazil earlier this year to identify potential contracts at the 2016 Olympic Games, in Rio de Janeiro.

The free event takes place on Wednesday, October 5, from 4.30pm to 7pm.

Places must be booked by calling Karen Lilley on 0191- 281-5777 or emailing Karen@ btob.co.uk