East Midlands companies are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity to gain expert export insight at free UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) events in the local area this summer.

'Discover your Growth Potential' will give companies the chance to look at diversifying in the morning sessions and an afternoon session will help companies look at how to find export opportunities:

·         Wednesday 22 June, Mickleover Court, Derby.

·         Tuesday 28 June, Village Hotel, Nottingham

·         Tuesday 5 July, Holiday Inn, Crick, Northampton.

·         Wednesday 6 July, Branston Hall, Lincoln.  

·         Friday 8 July, Walkers Stadium, Leicester

To find out more or book a place email info@businesslinkem.co.uk or call 0845 058 6644.

On Wednesday 29 June over 60 export experts from across the globe will be available to local SMEs at the Explore Export roadshow, free to East Midlands companies, at the Jaguar Exhibition Hall 2, Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

The attending companies will be able to investigate new and emerging markets, build new market contacts as well as network with SMEs who are already exporting successfully.

Explore Export is free of charge to SMEs based in the East and West Midlands that pre-register before 23 June 2011. Visit http://coventry.ukti-exploretour.com and enter the promotional code EWM100 during the online registration process.

Peter Hogarth, International Trade Director at UKTI East Midlands, said:

"Exporting has enabled a great deal of companies across the East Midlands to grow and survive during an economic downturn.  These free events give companies the chance to find out more about exporting, or look at new markets.

"If you can sell your product in the UK, you can sell it overseas. During the roadshow companies have the opportunity to have face to face one to one meetings with experts from markets including Europe ,North and South America, Africa and Australasia; all without having to leave the country."