A Bradford-based education agency has been hailed for playing its part in boosting British export earnings.

Study Links International Ltd, based in Low Moor, which specialises in helping overseas students aged between seven and 19 study at UK boarding schools and universities, has more than doubled its turnover after receiving support from UK Trade and Investment.

The family-run business also acts as guardian to the students while they are away from home and provides them with host families during school holidays.

Study Links was founded by Angela Fan in 1998 after family members from Hong Kong came to stay while studying in the UK.

Since then, the business has steadily grown to attract students from countries including Russia, Ukraine, Nigeria and China, the United States, Brazil and Thailand.

Mrs Fan, whose husband Eric is from Hong Kong, where she worked as a teacher, speaks Cantonese and some Mandarin.

In March Study Links International will host a reception at the British Embassy in Beijing to promote its services to the Chinese market, which Mrs Fan said had massive potential.

The company is also launching a new operation arranging for English students to study Chinese in China.

Having worked with UKTI since 2007, the company recently benefited from the Gateway to Global Growth programme, which helps exporters diversify into new markets.

It enabled Angela to attend seminars and travel to a trade exhibition in Thailand to generate new business.

Study Links will this year arrange for around 350 to attend UK public schools and universities as well as organise summer schools for parties of up to 60 overseas college students.

Mrs Fan said the company was seeking extra host families to provide suitable accommodation for school pupils either at weekends or during holidays.

As a result of the help it has received in the past six years, Study Links has been able to recruit four extra staff and has seen an increase in export turnover of 120 per cent.

Mrs Fan said: “The UK’s education system has got a great reputation around the world. It is seen as very prestigious and parents want their children to have access to it.

“From the schools’ point of view, they like the diversity that overseas students can bring. We look after everything from organising student places at schools to providing guardianship and a complete care package while they’re in the UK.

“The help we received from UKTI in bringing our service to new markets has been invaluable.”

Jo McBeath, UKTI regional international trade adviser manager, said: “Study Links’ success story demonstrates the diverse range of businesses that UKTI works with.

“You don’t need to export a tangible ‘product’ to benefit from our help, but if you are looking to do business or offer a service abroad, UKTI can provide useful advice and assistance, as Angela has discovered.”