WOMEN-led businesses in Worcestershire are being urged to explore foreign markets during national Export Week.

The most recent Small Business Survey in 2012 showed that 13 per cent of women-led small and medium-sized businesses in the UK export, compared with the national average of 19 per cent. Trade experts say this gap represents an opportunity, and projections suggest the country could have up to an extra 10,000 exporters if these businesses grew and exported at the same rate as the average.

To encourage female entrepreneurs, UK Trade & Investment in the West Midlands is hosting its third women-led business exporting event on Thursday, November 13. Called "Expand your horizons" it is being held from 3pm - 7.30pm, including refreshments and networking opportunities, at Austin Court, Birmingham. Trade minister Lord Livingston said: “The number of women setting up businesses has doubled compared to a few years ago, but at the moment companies set up by women are consistently less likely to export. We have hugely increased the number of companies receiving Government export support but currently only one in ten of these firms are women-led. UK businesses can be great exporters, and Export Week is an excellent opportunity for us to do more to promote women-led firms."

The initiative is being backed by British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who added: "“There are many great examples of women-led companies taking their skills and expertise to the world. UKTI has produced a guide called From Local to Global, which will include examples of women-led companies that have successfully cracked international markets. Through the guide we aim to take the fear out of exporting and show that exploring new markets is not only financially rewarding but exciting."

To find out about export opportunities call 0345 2220159.