EXPORTERS across the two counties are continuing to ignore the approaching euro deadline, according to a leading bank.

A survey by Lloyds TSB Commercial found that 63 per cent of exporters were still not invoicing in the single currency.

This is despite the fact that the permanent replacement of 12 euro-zone national currencies will take place on Monday, December 31.

International business manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial, John Webster, said although slightly more firms were issuing euro invoices than this time last year, it was still a "surprisingly low" proportion of companies.

"This could indicate that exporters have yet to address the euro issue or, indeed, are missing the business implications," he said.

He said despite the current debate "raging" around the euro, many companies were "sticking their heads in the sand".

"Many firms seem to be unaware, or worse, are sticking their heads in the sand and leaving the practical preparation for the switch to the single currency to the last minute.

"The risk is that exporters could be left out in the cold and miss valuable business opportunities."