Firms urged to follow engineers' example to find new markets

The company has been working with the World Trade Centre Hull & Humber and two of its partner companies to gain access to Libya's oil and gas exploration programme.

The company, which supplies lifting and securing equipment, wants to establish a permanent presence in the country to help develop its resources.

Managing director Chris Towne said the partnership with WTC has helped his company negotiate the obstacles towards achieving a successful trade relationship, building on existing contracts in the country.

He added: "Long-distant business relationships don't work with Libya, but the help we have had from the World Trade Centre and its partners means we are now well placed to press ahead following encouraging early developments."

Towne worked with UK Trade & Investment at the World Trade Centre, on the Passport to Export programme, which supports firms wanting to break into new markets.

This led to a meeting at the British Embassy in Tripoli, Libya's capital, with a senior UKTI oil and gas specialist, teleconferences at World Trade Centre Hull & Humber with other key people in the sector and a place on a trade mission.

World Trade Centre partner Language is Everything, a translation services company based in Howden, produced a catalogue specifically for

the mission while language training has been accessed through the Regional Language Network.

Mr Towne added: "The oil and gas sectors account for 95 per cent of Libya's export revenues and present a great opportunity for our products and expertise.

"Libyan investment in exploration and development should total $42bn in the next five years and there are already 50 international oil companies in the market."

Tony Howard, chair of World Trade Centre Hull & Humber, said that Towne was a good example of a company utilising a range of the centre's services.

"With the expertise available under one roof, we can make the path to new markets smoother and much less daunting."