The North East continues to enjoy a strong international trade performance with more than £13 billion worth of goods and services exported last year.

Many Gateshead companies are already successfully involved in international trade – including The Davy Roll Company Ltd, which last year won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.

And Craig Daglish, International Trade Adviser with responsibility for the Gateshead area, is keen to encourage more companies to take the plunge.

“International trade is vital to the North East economy,” said Craig. “But while our export performance is good, with more than £13 billion of goods and services exported last year, just five per cent of the region’s 45,000 VAT registered companies are exporters and if we could increase that by just a few percentage points the impact would be huge.

“UK Trade & Investment offers a wide range of services to help companies succeed overseas with a team of International Trade Advisers working with companies, as well as Market Visits, the Overseas Market Introduction Service and export events.

“We are dedicated to supporting the region’s companies to make the most of the many and varied opportunities in international markets around the world and would urge companies – both new and experienced exporters – to get in touch.”

To find out more call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.uk|

More and more businesses - from cafés to undertakers - are pledging to help make Gateshead a cleaner, greener and safer place to live and work as part of Gateshead Council's Tidy Business Awards scheme.

The scheme was launched last year and will eventually be rolled out across Gateshead. So far over 130 businesses in the south and east of Gateshead have signed up. They keep shop fronts spic and span and deal with all of their waste in a responsible way.

Michaela Robson from Martha's Pantry in Wrekenton said: "We all want to make sure we do our bit for the environment, but making sure that the area around the shop is tidy and inviting is simply good business sense. Encouraging everyone to take pride in the area can only be a good thing."

Martha's has earned a bronze from the Tidy Business Awards scheme and staff are now working towards silver and gold recognition by recycling more rubbish and keeping the surrounding area even cleaner.

Gateshead Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Michael McNestry, added: "This is a great example of working in partnership to make a real difference. By working together with businesses and residents we can all look forward to a cleaner and greener place to live and work."

To take part contact Atif Bilal, Project Co-ordinator, by calling Gateshead Council's Contact Centre on 0191 433 7000. Or register online|

The MPH Training and Conference Centre has five state-of-the-art meeting rooms, which can accommodate up to 150 delegates, a 27-seat cinema and ample parking.

Two of the rooms have partition walls and can be expanded even further. Each room contains everything you may need including audio visual systems and the larger rooms have PA systems with wireless microphones. Room layouts are flexible to complement the format of your meeting and a first class catering service is available on site.

Fully trained staff welcome guests at reception and remain on hand during an event. The centre is also fully accessible to people with disabilities. To make a booking or to find out more phone 0191 495 2895 or email bookings@mph-uk.com|

Job Chain is a free service offered by Gateshead Council's Economic Development Service that could help you find the right employees for your business.

Job Chain helps local job seekers improve their skills so that they have more to offer potential employers. Their skills are then matched up to current opportunities to bring them and you together.

Job Chain can offer your business:

• Vacancy matching service to Gateshead residents
• Work trials through Job Centre Plus (subject to criteria)
• Wage supplements up to the value of £1,950 over a 26 week period (subject to criteria)
• After care service up to 26 weeks for your new employee
• Help with recruitment drives

Peter Rigg, Practice and Development Manager from Smithson Law Firm in Newcastle had help with finding a junior member of staff and some funding to take her on. He commented, "I would not hesitate to recommend this service to other businesses – it worked for us and we'd be happy to use the service again in the future."

If you would like more information on this service please call Michelle Gibson or Claire Hanson on 0191 477 3747 or email economicdevelopment@gateshead.gov.uk|

A special event will be offering heavenly marketing ideas, business solutions to legal sins and some saintly banking tips on 27 November at the Springfield Hotel in Gateshead.

Gateshead Council's Economic Development Service is presenting a seminar which will change the way you do business forever – but places are limited to 140 seats so book your place now.

A reception and refreshments will be served from 5pm and the event starts at 5.30pm-7.30pm. To book your place call Gateshead Council's Economic Development Service on 0191 477 3747.