A seminar called Taking the Hurdles out of Exporting is to be held at Worcester Racecourse on Satur-day, June 13

It is part of a drive to help companies export and is among an extravaganza that could make all the difference to companies throughout the West Midlands seeking to expand their overseas business.

For the first time, UK Trade & Investment in the West Midlands is organising a month-long International Trade Festival.

International trade teams based at the re-gion's Chambers of Commerce are organis-ing nine events, includ-ing business breakfasts, an all-day workshop and a glittering summer ball.

The festival is aimed at a broad spectrum of businesses - from com-panies that have no, or little experience of trading overseas, through to established exporters looking to reach new markets.

Events are being held in Birmingham, Coven-try, Dudley, Hereford, Stoke-on-Trent and West Bromwich, as well as Worcester.