A WEBSITE carrying details of business opportunities in Europe has proved so successful that North-East firms are being coached in how to pitch for the £125m a day of trade on offer.

Europeantenders.com was set up by Business Link County Durham only a few months ago, carrying hundreds of tenders available from Government bodies, healthcare organisations, utilities and local authorities in 15 European countries.

The website has attracted considerably more interest than Business Link anticipated, and has led to the coaching workshops aimed at helping companies make successful bids.

Newcastle-based Ark Associates was asked to lead a recent workshop attended by the companies involved in catering, recruitment, marketing and other areas.

Susan Bilton of Ark said: "A lot of people feel they need guidance on pitching, and we provide coaching as opposed to training. Coaching is now in huge demand right across the UK and Business Link County Durham is being very forward thinking in providing this for companies." For more information about the service contact Mike Hutton on (0191) 3744000.