Published at 13:00, Monday, 23 July 2012

CUMBRIA’S food and drink industry could help the region to thrive despite the Euro crisis, according to a major business support network.

Enterprise Europe Network North West ( EENW ) offers advice and support to businesses looking to move into European markets.

EENW has reported that the appetite for high quality British produce overseas means that some sectors are growing irrespective of the downturn.

The network has been set up by the European Commission to provide free and impartial information, advice and guidance to businesses that want to trade overseas.

They have seen an increasing number of companies turn to them for advice about doing business in and with Europe.

EENW ’s advice is that, while caution is needed, hundreds of companies across Cumbria are successfully doing business with European countries every day, particularly within the food and drink sector.

Fiona Castela, project manager at EEN North West, said: “When it comes to trading with Europe there is a huge amount of untapped opportunity.

“The advice we offer to companies which come to us looking to expand into Europe is that they should take sensible precautions but don’t discount it as an essential trading partner.

“Countries such as Greece and Spain may be facing difficulties, but there are many others which are thriving.”

She added: “Exports from the UK’s food and drink are really booming.”

Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com