A NEW initiative is set to focus Kent companies on exploring cross-Channel business opportunities.

The DEEP programme (Develop the Economic Environment of the Ports and their economies) aims to help Kent and Medway businesses foster trading relations with the Nord Pas de Calais region of France.

DEEP is Interreg funded and managed by a partnership comprising Business Link Kent, Thanet & East Kent Chamber and three Chambres de Commerce organisations in France. It is designed to bring companies together in a series of interactive business improvement events for the tourism, transport and marine sectors.

Mark Knowlton, sectors programme manager at Business Link Kent, said: "DEEP provides an opportunity to develop the port-based economies on both sides of the Channel as well as offering local businesses valuable information and advice on trading with France.

"This is a great chance for Kent businesses to broaden their trade horizons and requires nothing more than the commitment of a little time and a desire to put Kent firmly on the cross-Channel trading map."

Businesses interested in participating will be selected from a mailed questionnaire distributed to 4,500 companies in Kent and some 3,000 in Calais, Boulogne and St Omer. Responding to the questionnaire automatically entitles companies to request a free entry in a specially devised Port Economy Business Directory.

In the first event of the programme, a delegation of some 100 business people from Kent will visit Calais on Friday, December 9 to meet specifically targeted, like-minded businesses keen to establish international trading links.

Selected representatives will then be brought together through a series of follow-on workshops, networking events and best practice exchange visits.

Kent and Medway businesses seeking further information about participation in DEEP should contact Business Link Kent on 08457 226655 or email info@businesslinkkent.com.