BURY exporters and those elsewhere in the North West have a new champion.

He is Peter Hogarth, who has been appointed by Trade Partners UK as the region's first international trade director.

His role will be to co-ordinate and help make the most of the resources and assistance available to local businesses developing international markets and to supply locally organised export initiatives run by partners across the region. Peter (48) brings many years of private sector practical exporting experience to the role.

With particular experience in Africa and the Middle East, he has dealt with many parts of the world both as an exporter, importer and distributor while living in Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Trade Partners UK brings together British Trade International, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Invest in Britain Bureau, which encourages inward investment.

Peter said: "My role will be to help companies succeed overseas, whether they are starting from scratch or already have some experience of international trade.

"I want to make sure that all North West companies have clear access to the very best advice and support available when they are looking to expand into new markets."