A NEW initiative to help firms break into world markets is being launched this week.

The East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry is setting up an export club in response to requests from local exporters and companies keen to sell overseas.

And Harry Twells OBE, chairman of the National Export Advisory Committee, will be guest of honour at the event being held at the Fence Gate Inn on Thursday.

"The interest in exporting from East Lancashire firms has rocketed and there is an enormous potential out there," said Ed Murphy, the Chamber's international trade manager.

"We have had dozens of request in recent months from companies asking us about the possibility of an export club."

The aim of the club will be to provide regular meetings with presentations on particular export issues and give exporters the chance to mix informally with others.

"This Chamber is now seen as being at the cutting edge in terms of what we do for exporters and this is another example of that," said Mr Murphy.

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