Bradford firm Hydromech Systems is ready to gain new business in the Netherlands thanks to help from the district's Business Link.

Hydromech have targeted the Netherlands for their Fleet Tip range of tipping technology for motor vehicles and are planning to take advantage of the planned Export Explorer mission, sponsored by Bower Green Shipping, which takes place in May.

Hydromech's Stephen Wade said: "As a company we are quite new to exporting. We are attracted to the Export Explorer programme because it is an economical way to improve our business. It also offers us the help and advice we need while we are on the mission."

He added: "We chose to go on this mission because it offered a number of attractive benefits to our company. The package included a list of contacts interested in our products and a chance to travel with a group of like-minded companies with whom we can share ideas with and maybe even some business."

The Netherlands already has British firms doing lots of trading there - worth £15.3 billion - making it the UK's fourth largest export market.

Opportunities exist in all areas but there are openings particularly in building materials, gift products, clothing and automotive components.

Francoise Joyce, export development adviser at Business Link Bradford & District, said: "The mission to the Netherlands is just one of many missions in Western Europe. It is an ideal vehicle for a company wishing to start exporting or increase its existing activity."

Companies which wish to find out more about the Export Explorer Mission to the Netherlands or other countries can find out more by contacting Francoise Joyce at Business Link on 01274-751385.

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