FIRMS in East Lancashire are being urged to look to Latin America to help their businesses grow.

Export expert Derek Linney, part of the international trade team advisors based at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, took part in a mission to Brazil as part of a delegation led by the DTI.

Major aerospace companies including Rolls-Royce took part in the delegation headed by Lord Clinton-Davis, Minister for Trade.

Derek also spent two days in Brazil working with the British Consulate and the local Chamber of Commerce to identify distributors in areas such as food processing, confectionery, printing machinery and sports equipment.

"There are significant opportunities for industry with Lancashire and the North West and we must take advantage of these as the Brazilian market continues to grow and open up," said Derek.

Companies wanting to find out more about opportunities in Brazil can contact Stephanie Heywood on 01254 388400 or through Business LInk East Lancashire on 0800 696796

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