THE first in a new series of mini-export networking events which aim to boost the region's overseas sales is being held next week.

The event, on Wednesday 30, is being held at Deloittes in City Square, Leeds as part of the We Are International campaign by the Leeds City Region's Enterprise Partnership, which covers York.

Chamber International, Bradford, has arranged the event, which is being staged as part of a new contract from Leeds City College, using the European Social Fund.

The theme of the event will be How Can I Export? with a talk by Chamber International senior export adviser, Mike Strawson.

The event is the first in a new twice-monthly programme where novice exporters will be able to access support from experienced international traders.

Export professionals will also work closely with companies to identify what skills they need to help them to trade overseas successfully so a new training module can be devised.

There are places for up to 30 delegates from novice export businesses at the event and bookings can be made by contacting Chamber International on 0845-034-7200.

The We are International initiative, delivered by the Leeds City Region’s LEP with international trade specialists Chamber International, UKTI Yorkshire and Humber, Enterprise Europe Yorkshire, MY Export Hub and Yorkshire Universities – aims to add £1.6 billion to the City Region economy and create thousands of jobs during the next five years.