TWO of the region’s leading business development groups have formed an alliance to push forward their members interests abroad.

NOF Energy and Northern Defence Industries (NDI) will work together to plan visits for members to meet with the supply chains of the energy, defence and aerospace sectors in Turkey and India next year.

In addition, the two organisations will collaborate on industry events and share intelligence to benefit members.

NDI supports more than 200 companies in the region to match the procurement requirements of the global defence, security and aerospace industry.

Durham City-based NOF Energy is a business development organisation for the oil, gas and energy sectors.

Chairman Neil Kirkbride said: “This relationship between NOF Energy and NDI could provide great benefit to members of both organisations.

“The North-East has a reputation for quality engineering and support services, which will be championed by the organisations in new and existing markets.”

David Bowles, chairman of NDI, said: “Working more closely together, NOF Energy and NDI will be able to deliver even more support to these companies to secure real business.”