TEESSIDE firms are being offered the chance to discover how exports can help business at an event in Durham next week.

UK Trade & Investment has joined forces with a new consortium comprising NECC, RTC North and NEPIC to drive forward the region’s exporters.

It aims to create 500 new exporters by 2015 and a new service delivery model will be unveiled at the event at Ramside Hall Hotel, on Tuesday from 8am-1pm.

David Coppock, UKTI’s regional director, pictured, said the new service aims to “maximise the benefits for North-east companies”.

Details on 0845 05 05 054