COMPANIES are being invited to say what help they need to market their products and services abroad more successfully.

Business Link Cumbria, the business support and advice organisation, wants to offer greater help to exporters.

Now its international trade team is conducting a survey to find out the requirements of more than 2,000 local companies, and whether they need to boost existing exports sales or move into the overseas market for the first time.

"We exist to help local companies find more business overseas," said Business Link Cumbria international trade adviser Paul Stowers.

"There is a lot of export assistance available, but to target it effectively we need to know which of our local companies need the help.

"This is a unique opportunity for them to tell us what business wants.

By doing so, they can also influence the type of support available from us in the future."

The initiative follows research showing Cumbria is lagging behind other parts of Britain in exports markets.

The international trade team offers free and independent information, advice and practical help to Cumbrian exporters.

It also delivers the services of Trade Partners UK, the new name for the government's export support package.

Officials are especially keen to identify firms that as yet have never been involved in exporting.

Mr Stowers explained: "We want to reach out and help people who have potential for exports which they have never managed to fulfil in the past.

"We need to know who is presently exporting, who wants to start exporting, what countries are being targeted and what help is needed to find business in those countries.

"When we have this information we can keep each local company informed about opportunities which we think will be of specific interest to them."

The international trade team can help with export planning, market research, finding buyers or representatives overseas and training.

New or inexperienced exporters are helped from the beginning to the end of the export process, while old-hands pick individual services to suit their needs.

Financial help is also available for some activities, such as travelling abroad on supported trade missions, or exhibiting overseas.

For a questionnaire, ring Paul Stowers on 01229-401306.

l Confidence is still rising among northern exporters, according to the latest DHL quarterly export indicator which tracks the views of manufacturing exporters.