THE North-East is filled with countless entrepreneurs, whether working for multi-national companies or running their own businesses, and the field of international trade is no exception.

The total value of exports and services out of the region is about £8bn a year.

The region also boasts top place in England in the value of exports per exporting company, which stands at £3.19m.

That statistic is even more remarkable when taking into account that 99 per cent of business in this region are small or medium-sized enterprises.

The rewards of international trade speak for themselves. A survey by Government-backed Trade Partners UK (TPUK), last year found that companies involved in international trade are on average larger, more productive, pay higher wages and use more capital-intensive production methods than their non-exporting rivals.

John Williams, International Trade Director at TPUK, said: "We currently have a small number of exporting companies working very hard, but we have to keep encouraging others in this region to take the plunge in overseas markets.

"Through international trade companies can increase turnover and profitability, utilise spare capacity and spread business risk.

"Trade Partners UK can be the key to unlocking new overseas markets for both experienced and novice exporters."

TPUK, part of British Trade International, is the lead government organisation providing support for UK companies trading overseas.

Established three years ago, it brings together about 2,700 staff in more than 200 British embassies and posts around the world, more than 45 Business Links in the UK and at least nine government departments as well as representatives in Chambers of Commerce operations across the country.

"Virtually any legal business can access the services provided by Trade Partners UK and the organisation does not focus solely on exporting goods and services - it covers every kind of international trade," added Mr Williams.

"So if you're looking for help with a joint venture, a strategic alliance or forming an overseas partnership of any kind, TPUK is your first port of call."

And if TPUK doesn't have the expertise, it can put companies in touch with others in the public and private sector who know how to help.

TPUK boasts a dedicated team of international trade advisors, who work through the region's four Business Link organisations - Tees Valley, County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.

Mr Williams said: "The international trade advisors work closely with individual companies to prepare and implement an export plan to help achieve the company's exporting goals.

"The export plan includes appropriate activities, subsidised services and assistance such as market information reports from target countries, as well as accompanied travel packages to investigate new markets and meet potential overseas customers face to face."

TPUK's key services include the Export Explorer programme, an integrated package of help and advice that enable SMEs to experience new and accessible export markets at minimal cost.

For £99, companies receive hands-on help and support including an export training workshop, a report identifying potential buyers and an export planning service.

It culminates in a three-day visit with fellow exporters accompanied by an experienced advisor.

Companies can also sign up to the TPUK: "Your Passport to Export Success" programme, which targets new or existing exporters and is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The programme offers a package of support, which is individually-tailored to meet the needs of each company, together with generous financial support and the help of a designated international trade advisor.

Companies can sign up to as little or as much of the programme as they choose, with activities including market research, advice on export procedures, design of marketing materials, marketing activities such as attendance at trade fairs and exhibitions and a market visit as well as training covering a range of export-related issues and topics.

The work of TPUK is not just about companies hoping to export. It also stages inward trade missions, helping to bring the region's businesses face-to-face with possible overseas partners on home ground.

That includes translating the ideas formulated in the region's universities into a commercial product.

Mr Williams said: "By bringing together partners from overseas with the research talent of our universities, we can develop the products of the future in this region.

"We have excellent research in our universities and we are pushing for funding for a Government-backed research institute in this region, translating ideas into commercial products."

Mr Williams said: "TPUK doesn't exclude either manufacturing or service sector companies from its support services.

"It doesn't matter to us if a company deals in products or expertise: if it earns money from overseas, we want to help them earn more.

"And that includes earnings from sectors such as tourism or training, where the product or service may not leave the UK at all, but the money comes into the UK from overseas anyway.

"Whatever your business, if it brings money into the North-East from an international source it's the job of TPUK to help you do it better, faster, longer and more profitably."