A NEW government-backed group aimed at helping Lancashire businesses exploit export markets has been launched.

Trade Partners UK wants to ensure that firms with goods that could be sold abroad to boost Britain's wealth make the most of their opportunities.

An offshoot of the year-old British Trade International, it wants to link up Britain's diplomats overseas, experts in the Department of Trade and Industry, the Regional Development Association, the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and local groups such as Chambers of Commerce and Export Clubs. By providing a single "brand" and source of information identifiable both to British companies and overseas customers, the new body (which has its own website) believes it can make a major contribution to national wealth and the success of small companies. North West firms already working with BTI include and Blackburn print companies Howorth Enterprises and Converting Solutions.

BTI boss Sir David Wright said the aim was to provide firms with "services connected globally and delivered locally".

The logo of a bee aims to emphasise the hard-working and network nature of the new organisation.

Present at the launch were Regional Trade minister Dick Caborn and Foreign Office Minister John Battle.

Mr Battle said: "This is all about bringing government services to life for small business. "

And and he promised to try and make sure that all Britain's overseas diplomatic posts were aware of the importance of promoting UK firms and exports and to bring all of them up to the standards of the best.