HOW TO plan overseas business trips to maximise the time and financial investment is the subject of a workshop organised by York and North Yorkshire Export Forum at the Forest and Vale, Pickering, tomorrow.

The workshop, Visiting The Market, is the second in a series of six Achieving Export Excellence events which form part of the York and North Yorkshire Export Forum's campaign funded by almost £600,000 from the EC regional development fund.

The half-day workshop, which will explain how to plan overseas business trips to best effect, will run four times starting at the Forest and Vale 8am, then at the Kings Head Hotel, Richmond on October 4, at the Hanover International, Skipton on January 24 and at the Golden Fleece, Thirsk, on January 31 next year.

All the workshops in the series are aimed at owners and managers involved in developing export strategies, developing bids and contracts, liaising with overseas customers and dealing with the financial aspects of overseas trade. They aim to help boost exporting in the county.

Roland Harris, spokesman for York and North Yorkshire Export Forum, and chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Planning a business trip is very different to organising a holiday and many different factors have to be taken into account to ensure that it is a worthwhile business activity.

"There are several important tips which can make the difference between a successful business trip and a failure and these will be discussed at this very important workshop."

The York and North Yorkshire Export Forum says that by the end of the workshop delegates will understand the importance of a well planned overseas business trip, know what help is available to help organise one and understand the benefits and disadvantages of trade missions or going alone.

The seminars cost £25 plus VAT each. For further information, phone the Business Link North Yorkshire information Centre at 01904-686000.