SKILLS and entrepreneurship are two winning characteristics that have historically given the UK a competitive edge in overseas markets.

This month, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is hosting International Trade Week to give companies a chance to hone their export skills further.

UKTI has teamed up with HSBC and key partners and business organisations in the region to put together a packed programme of events.

International Trade Week (January 31 to February 4) will feature events at venues across the region and will offer something for businesses of all sizes, whatever their sector, whether new to exporting or experienced international trade entrepreneurs.

For those who have yet to consider international trade, there will be a Born Global event highlighting what benefits exporting can bring and what you need to do to prepare your business to take your first steps to becoming a successful exporter.

UKTI’s International trade advisors will be hosting several Meet your International Trade Advisor events during the week, giving companies a chance to talk to their local ITA about the support they can offer.

Other events will include an advanced export seminar for companies that are experienced exporters to enable them to work with an experienced facilitator and fellow exporters to generate new approaches and ideas.

There will also be two separate events focusing on the opportunities in Brazil and China, which are both key growth markets and are included in UKTI’s programme of market visits this year.

Recent figures have once again shown that North-East exports are continuing to grow and with the annual rolling total value of goods exported from the region at £11.26bn, we have now regained the great majority of the export value lost since the economic downturn began.

This is obviously good news, but we need to continue that upward trend and it is through initiatives such as International Trade Week and UKTI’s new and improved services For more information about International Trade Week and the wide range of services available call 0845-050-5054, email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk or log onto the website ukti.gov.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/UKTINorthEast

■ David Coppock is International Trade Director at UK Trade & Investment