HC Deb 14 May 1998 vol 312 cc182-3W
18. Mr. Fabricant

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to improve the export opportunities for engineering companies in the west midlands. [40970]

Mr. Battle

West Midlands engineering companies have local access to all national export assistance programmes which draw on the expertise of DTI officials.

Local partners, including Business Links and the Government office, are also working together to help deliver the new Market and Trade Fair Explorer programmes designed especially for those companies who have had limited experience of selling overseas. This, together with a range of new schemes under the SME Initiative, will provide more opportunities for West Midlands firms.