HUNDREDS of North West companies were propelled towards prosperity in international trade thanks to Trade Partners UK (TPUK).

The figures are contained in the Government's trade promotion body's annual review which has just been published.

In addition to working with companies dealing with major infrastructure projects worldwide, TPUK has a particular focus on helping small and medium-sized firms in all UK business sectors.

Last year in the North West, TPUK assisted around 900 companies with export issues, helped 155 firms to achieve their first export orders and 230 existing businesses to sell into new markets. They also ran 47 trade missions to countries as far afield as Australia, Vietnam and held 167 trade-related events in the North West itself.