Targeted at local business owners and managers, the aim of the initiative is to assist local businesses explore new opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe; and to equip them with the in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in this market. During 2010 and 2011, seven Central and Eastern European countries were visited by local businesses - Bulgaria, Belarus, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Romania. The 22 local businesses that have participated on the programme to date attended a combined total of 142 individual meetings and 28 new trading partnerships have been formed. Alderman Jim Dillon, Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, said: “The Council is committed to assisting local companies find new customers both locally and globally. These markets have been identified as a focus for potential new trade development activity, and it is hoped that participating companies will realise many new sales opportunities. “A number of local businesses have already been signed up for this programme and even at this early stage in the assessment process it has become evident that Bulgaria and Poland would present the greatest opportunities for the companies recruited.” Ivan Major from Unitrunk said: “Unitrunk participated in a market visit to Romania in 2011, which resulted in the formation of a new business partnership with a potential contract value of €30,000.” Due to the Council’s substantial contribution the programme will only cost each participant business £250 (ex. VAT) including flights, accommodation, workshops and bespoke meeting schedules. If any Lisburn based business is interested in taking advantage of one of the remaining places in the programme please contact Michelle Lestas, Lestas Consulting on 028 7032 2900 or email michelle@lestasconsulting.com for further details.