from Peter

PETER Hogarth has been appointed by Trade Partners UK as the regional's first international trade director.

He is based at the North West Development Agency, Birchwood, Warrington.

Trade Partners UK brings together under one umbrella 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's role is to co-ordinate and help to make the most of the resources and assistance available to businesses developing international markets and to support export initiatives run by partners across the region.

Peter, 48, will focus his efforts mainly on international trade.

He said : "My role is to help companies to succeed overseas, whether they are starting from scratch or already have some experience of international trade. I want to make sure that north west companies have clear access to the very best advice and support when they are looking to expand into new markets."