West Midlands firms are being invited to find out how they can boost their exports in the field of health informatics at the UK's largest health informatics conference - being held at the ICC, Birmingham on 5-7 April.

The aim of HC 2011 (Health Informatics Congress) is to help individuals, professional bodies, organisations and countries improve health data management, which in turn leads to improved decision-making and ultimately better health for the populations they serve.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has invited around 20 companies from across the globe, including USA, China, Czech Republic, Russia, Portugal, Poland, Finland, Egypt, Turkey, Singapore and Kuwait to HC 2011. UKTI will be providing a unique opportunity for UK companies to meet one-to-one with senior international buyers from any of the participating companies to discuss their technology needs and requirements and establish influential new contacts.

Birmingham based CCBT (Computer-aided Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is an international leader in the field of online psychiatric treatment and self-help. The company, which provides online therapy and a solution for people who prefer the convenience and confidentiality of online support, attended the conference last year and found it extremely beneficial. CCBT's products help people manage anxiety, depression, and a full spectrum of other related conditions.

Tim O'Connell, Finance Director at CCBT, says: "We attended HC 2011 last year and found it a very useful experience. It's a fast track way of identifying suitable markets and an excellent networking opportunity."

He continued: "I'd urge anyone interested in expanding their business into new markets to talk to UKTI. We've had a range of services from UKTI over the past 18 months which have contributed to our export business growing from zero in 2009 to 30% in 2010. By the end of this year we expect exports to account for around 50% of our business. Some of the help we've had includes market research and grant assistance for attending key exhibitions. In November last year, we joined the Passport to Export Programme and since then, we've had some really useful advice and assistance from our International Trade Adviser, Paul Meikle."

Doug Mahoney, UKTI International Trade Director for the West Midlands says:

"Around 1000 business delegates are expected to attend HC 2011 - a fantastic opportunity for companies from the West Midlands and the wider UK, to establish influential new contacts from across the globe. UKTI can set up face-to-face meetings with any of the participating international companies so local companies can find out first hand, how they can fulfil the technology needs of international companies and thereby grow their export business."

HC 2011 is organised by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. This is the fifth year UKTI has been involved in the event.