Efforts to boost export sales by Highlands and Islands business are to be stepped up a gear with the launch of a new international trade development programme.

The 'Exportise' programme will offer a whole range of assistance to experienced and would-be exporters in the northern half of Scotland, including expert advice, training and introductory overseas missions.

'Exportise' was officially launched today (Monday 30 October) when Alasdair Morrison MSP, Deputy Minister for the Highlands and Islands, delivered the keynote address at a business seminar in Inverness.

The programme is backed by the Highlands and Islands Trade and Export Partnership (HITEP) comprising the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network (HIE); the area's local authorities; Inverness and District Chamber of Commerce; the Highland Export Club, made up of businesses looking at overseas trade; the Scottish Council Development and Industry (SCDI), and national export agency Scottish Trade International.

Highlands and Islands businesses have delivered a strong global performance in recent years. During the four years to March 1999, manufacturing exports rose by 16 per cent to £284 million in real terms (excluding whisky and oil) compared to the overall Scottish increase of 5 per cent.

The area's most important markets are Europe, particularly France, as well as North America, but recent factors such as the continuing strength of sterling, and the slump in oil fabrication work have hit some sectors hard.

"We need to maximise our help and advice to both existing and inexperienced exporters if we're to stay ahead of the game," said Bob Kass, HIE's head of tourism and exports - who is also chairman of HITEP.

"With the new Exportise programme, we're offering a service which can benefit any number of businesses in this area, whether they already export or not. We can help firms find new markets, guide them through international red tape, help them work with fellow exporters, and advise them on crucial issues such as getting paid.

"We want to help ensure that businesses are not daunted by exporting as an obscure activity but look at it as a logical step to boost their turnover, profits or customer base."

The Exportise programme will provide expert assistance and trade development guidance, including introductory overseas visits, market briefings, formal exports training and specialised seminars.

Entitled 'Exporting - Is it for You?' Monday's one-day seminar attracted more than 40 representatives from local companies which do not export, or have limited experience of trading overseas. It is the first in a series of 'Exportise' events to be held throughout the Highlands and Islands over the coming months which will cover everything from marketing opportunities in different countries to training and export awareness.

Chairman of the Highland Export Club, George MacRae of Inverness-based Whites Electronics, said: "Doing business abroad is not as difficult as it is made out to be. It helps open up new markets and often gives companies fresh ideas, not only about what products and services will sell in foreign markets but what can be done to serve existing customers better in the domestic market.

"There are of course pitfalls to be avoided but these can be minimised by taking good advice and easing yourself or your business gently into exporting to begin with. This reduces the risks and can help gain access to significant new markets and customers."