BUSINESSES in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to prepare for global success by taking part in Export Week.

Organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in conjunction with partners and business organisations, this year’s event will encourage local companies to take up the export challenge by highlighting opportunities in overseas markets and outlining support available to help them grow.

The flagship event in this year’s programme, which runs from November 10 to 14 will be ExploreExport, which is being held in the Royal Hall of the International Conference Centre in Harrogate on November 12.

Experts from more than 60 countries will descend on North Yorkshire for a series of one-to-one meetings and seminars for interested parties about what their region has to offer.

Export Week, which is now in its sixth year, has previously attracted more than 17,000 companies across the UK to attend a series of events, seminars and webinars.

The programme also includes an event titled "Conference on Taking Your Business Abroad: For Women in Business" organised in conjunction with Forward Ladies at the Catalyst Innovation Centre, in Heslington, York, between 10am and1pm.

Also ABP in Goole is hosting "ExPORTing – Making the Most of Local Export Opportunities" on November 12, between 10am and organised by Associated British Ports and Wakefield Business Support Programme to promote opportunities.

Mark Robson, regional director for UK Trade & Investment Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Export Week is an ideal opportunity for companies to find out more about international trade opportunities, as well as the support that is available to help them fulfil their exporting ambitions."