THERE was Royal company for a Bury firm when it attended a training session for a forthcoming Export Explorer trade mission to Finland.

Anne-Marie Baker, financial director of Bury-based Advantage International Corp Ltd, and colleague Janette Hodgson, rubbed shoulders with no less a figure than Prince Andrew.

The two Bury businesswomen were among representatives attending the session in Liverpool.

And HRH the Duke of York attended the event during a regional visit in his new role as special representative for International Trade and Investment.

Advantage is a new exporter, although an agent has recently been appointed in Ireland, and claims to be one of the leading "close-out" companies in Europe. The Bury business sells stock clearance products such as books, stationery, toys, gifts, electrical appliances, gardening equipment, toiletries and cosmetics.

Prince Andrew met the local company during a visit to Merseyside and Cheshire, following his recent appointment as special representative for International Trade and Investment.

The Duke's activities in this new role will be in support of British Trade International (BTI), the Government body set up to support UK companies trading internationally and encourage foreign investment.

During his visit, Prince Andrew joined a training session for eight companies taking part in the Finland mission, organised by Greater Manchester Enterprises Ltd, from November 18-22.

Export Explorer is a Trade Partners UK flagship programme designed specifically to help small companies that are inexperienced in exporting, to expand their sales into Western Europe.

For the Finland business journey, pre-mission company preparation included the main briefing and training day, which was visited by the Duke of York. Prior to his arrival, companies received training on export procedures, such as market research, entry strategies, pricing and payment.