EXPORTING holds the key to a stronger local and national economy.

That was the message given to businesses looking to push their products and services over Britain's borders.

UK Trade And Investment (UKTI) teamed up with E-Factor to present a free seminar yesterday called Are You Ready To Export? to companies as diverse as refrigeration maintenance, human resources, aircraft and software design and knitwear.

Having carved out a career working in export for a manufacturing firm in the region, Simon Bedford now works on overseas joint ventures and investment for UKTI.

He said: "A lot of people who have been exporting for a long time think it is purely about filling up 20ft or 40ft containers and sending them around the world. This country knows a lot about the service industry. If you have a good business in the UK why can't you do it in Europe or further afield?

"All you have to do is work with the right people, they will get you down the right path."

Mr Bedford said those looking to export were coming at it at a vital time.

"International trade helps you improve your business performance. It spreads the risk, no more so than right now.

"Being spread across several different markets, not just the UK, is a very healthy position."

And while increased sales, turnover and profit can be driven by a wider costumer market, there are domestic advantages to be gained by having an international presence.

Mr Bedford, who conquered freezing fog conditions and dips to -6C on a journey east from South Yorkshire to present to a receptive crown at E-Factor's Enterprise Village in Prince Albert Gardens, said: "Exporting also helps you create new products and services. When you go overseas it really gets you thinking. It also enhances the business profile, too.

"Saying you have got your business out there in overseas markets is quite impressive for potential clients, and you benefit from the UK's reputation."

Giving an example of the kudos still held by Britain, Mr Bedford said: "The Japanese are very good at copying ideas and refining them. A lot of the best ideas come from the UK first. One thing in your favour is as soon as you start saying you are from the UK the door is partly open already. You are seen as being a serious business, as a developer, an innovator, as being creative."

Key tips for first-time exporters were freely given, including targeting markets correctly and being aware of global trends, ranging from demographics to demand.

He also addressed the top ten concerns to taking the steps through passport control with your business cards, rather than your flip-flops.

These are getting paid, incurring higher costs, longer payment terms, exchange rate risk, export training, language and culture, documentation and regulation, trade barriers, market information and time pressures.

However, with UK exports for 2010 valued at £261.7 billion, the opportunity was clear for those willing to push on.

Mark Webb, managing director at E-Factor, said: "One message from here that marries up to the national message is that if we want to create real new wealth, if we want to be regenerating the economy either locally or nationally, then the most efficient way of doing that is by exporting.

"It brings new money into the country, rather than just moving it around the country or the locality.

"It is about bringing new money in so we spend it round here."