STORIES from York and North Yorkshire businesses about selling overseas are being sought as part of a new initiative to boost exporting in the county.

Business people are being invited to recount their exporting anecdotes as part of a major programme to create wider awareness of the benefits of exporting.

The stories, which can fall into various categories, are being sought by the newly-formed York and North Yorkshire Export Forum which will publish some of the best later this year and award prizes to specially selected winners.

Export Forum spokesman, Roland Harris, chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce said: "While those of us involved in business support initiatives are delivering practical assistance through a series of events we also want to tap into the wealth of experience in the county.

"We want businesses throughout North Yorkshire to tell us their exporting stories and anecdotes so that we can help would-be exporters get the real feel of selling overseas from those who experience it everyday of their working lives.

Stories should be humorous, courageous or heart-warming. For example, they may be about misunderstandings, success against the odds, or about international friendships struck up through doing business. The only overriding factor is that they should have a positive conclusion.

Business wishing to tell their exporting story should contact the York and North Yorkshire Export Forum communications office at Polo PR, Harrogate, Tel (01423) 870134 for a form that should be completed and returned by fax.