BUSINESS Link Kent is now able to provide even more support to Kent companies to trade in international markets, by helping its customers gain access to a wider range of international trade services provided by the newly created UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Team South East.

A recent report from DTZ Pieda Consulting into integrated business support in the South East found that 35 per cent of businesses are looking for help to expand into overseas markets, but 60 per cent of them do not know where to go for the advice.

Only a small fraction of companies in the South East are actively involved in overseas markets. By providing a single portal to expert advice, UK Trade & Investment Team South East hopes to swell both the number of exporters and the value of their exports.

Team South East was created on April 1 by merging the six UKTI operations in the South East into one dedicated team, creating a 'one-stop shop' for customers. This will better support the nation’s top-exporting region and so help make the UK the world’s most competitive economy through international trade and investments.

Claire Coday, BLK chief executive, said: "The new improved service and structure will be more flexible and will help Business Link augment our support to a greater number of companies in Kent and Medway who are currently trading internationally or want to start trading overseas.

"The savings from the merger will be reinvested to increase the UKTI team by up to 20 per cent and significantly increase the front-line delivery of international trade services.

"Team South East will respond to the specific needs of our customers with focused offerings and an extended, more comprehensive service. It will provide a catalyst for growth – both for individual businesses and for the South East regional economy as a whole.

"Our aim is to help Kent and Medway companies win more orders, make more money overseas and build their international business success.

"The world economy is undergoing rapid change. China, India and many countries from Central and Eastern Europe are emerging as significant global players, bringing both threats of competition and opportunities for trade and investment.

"Against this backdrop, the formation of UK Trade & Investment Team South East is timely and I believe will contribute significantly to the productivity and profitability of Kent and Medway businesses and the competitiveness of our region."

The UK Trade & Investment Team South East can be contacted through Business Link Kent, on 08457 226655, or directly on 08457 35 45 55.