GOVERNMENT export support body UKTI is helping Kirklees firms take on the world.

Latest figures show that UK Trade & Investments worked with almost 100 Kirklees companies in the 12 months to March – creating and safeguarding almost 40 jobs and helping firms in the district boost export sales by more than £1.37m.

Across Yorkshire, more than 1,450 firms worked with UKTI to increase the value of their international trade by almost £91m and helping create or safeguard nearly 850 jobs. Turnover increased by almost £91m.

In West Yorkshire, UKTI provided free advice to 482 firms, supported 315 jobs and generated extra revenue exceeding £17m.

The figures showed that the USA and Germany remain the region’s biggest overseas markets – with France and Ireland also accounting for a substantial share of export earnings. China was also a growth market – maintaining its top-10 position in the top 10 export markets by value for 2010.

Philip Kelly, head of international trade for UKTI in Yorkshire, said the success reflected the strength of the region’s firms across a variety of sectors.

Mr Kelly urged companies which have never considered trading internationally to see the potential in new markets.

“There is huge potential for Yorkshire companies in a wide range of sectors to take advantage of the growth in both emerging and traditional economies,” he said.

“Although the UK economy is in recession, there are many opportunities for companies with the right capabilities and determination to grow their businesses. International trade has never been a more attractive prospect to many of our region’s companies.”

Business Link Yorkshire is running free workshops so companies can learn more about what’s involved in selling overseas and begin to find out about exporting for themselves. They include ones at 1.30pm on Thursday at the Bridge Inn, Wetherby; and at 1.30pm on Thursday, September 22, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield.

UKTI is urging firms to “go global” to increase competitiveness, extending their customer base to new markets, spread the risk and increase stability.

It also advised firms to research potential markets, attend overseas trade fairs and exhibitions and explore emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China as well as Vietnam, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and Ukraine.

Go to www.businesslink yorkshire.co.uk/events or call 08456 048048.