WITH the imminent accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU on the horizon, Huntingdonshire businesses are determined to use burgeoning links with other eastern European states, particularly Poland, to boost exports from the district. Next month, Cambri

WITH the imminent accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU on the horizon, Huntingdonshire businesses are determined to use burgeoning links with other eastern European states, particularly Poland, to boost exports from the district.

Next month, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce's international sector is hosting an event at Wood Green Animal Shelters, Godmanchester, to encourage local companies to develop trading links with central and eastern European partners.

It has strong backing from Stuart Gibbons, chairman of the Huntingdonshire Chamber, who already has strong links with Poznan and its environs, from which most of Huntingdonshire's Polish population comes.

A representative from the Polish city's chamber of commerce will be at the September 26 event to help would-be exporters take their first tentative steps into his country's market-place.

"We're hoping 100-150 local businesses will be at the event," Mr Gibbons, managing director of award-winning St Ives-based Le Mark Group, told The Hunts Post.

"People who are taken with the opportunity won't be left scratching their heads wondering what to do next. There will be people there to sit down with them there and then to help them start planning.

"And there will be a chance to set up research into potential markets in Poland. Everybody can look at exporting, even something as simple as training. There are certain etiquettes that you need to know."

Mr Gibbons is also urging budget airlines flying from Luton and Stansted to take part in the event, in the hope that the chambers of commerce can put together a package of measures to help new exporters. Government financial help may also be available.

"We have no plans for a trade mission at present, but it's something that could be done quite easily if there were sufficient interest from members," he said.

A series of presentations and case studies at the event will highlight the opportunities on offer, as acknowledged experts share their experiences of working with organisations within the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Poland.

UK Trade and Investment will also give an overview of the services they provide to companies wishing to export to countries across eastern and central Europe.

The event will also offer the opportunity to network with delegates, speakers and exhibitors.

INFORMATION: The event is at Wood Green Enterprises, Godmanchester from 4.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday September 26. Places, cost £17 plus VAT for Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce members and £25 plus VAT for non-members. Bookings on 01733 393342.