At a time when most of us are heading for sun, sea and sand to forget the demands of work, entrepreneurs should be looking around their holiday destinations with new eyes.

Small businesses often lead the way in innovation in their particular sector and many countries are actively seeking foreign investment and products, yet the two do not coincide, resulting in lost opportunities. While it is true that you can get caught out if you don't do your homework before trying to export, there are experienced people on hand at Business Link to help you avoid the pitfalls.

For those who have not yet dipped their toes into the waters, Business Link offers a comprehensive package of support called "Passport to Export". This starts with a free seminar to explain the principles, which is followed by a free export assessment to help you identify the most suitable target markets. Further help available from Business Link includes mentoring from experienced International Trade Advisors, access to subsidised training to develop staff skills and subsidies to help with market research, translation costs etc.

In addition, Business Link organises missions to specific areas, led by those with many years' experience of living and working overseas. Using local intelligence from British Embassies in the territories concerned, support is given prior to departure as well as during and after the mission, to ensure best use is made of the time and money invested in the trip. For more details about the next mission, to the Levant, click here (Andy to add link).

Companies which already export or have established distributor networks are not left out, either, thanks to the "Export for Success" programme. This is designed to help them understand and manage their overseas partners better, leading to improved relationships and better business performance for both parties.

If you would like to know more about exporting, contact the Business Link export team on 0845 606 4466.

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On the scrapheap ... or the starting block?

The popular misconception of little old ladies needing help to get across the road or grandads pottering round the house in cardigan and slippers has been demolished by a recent survey from Barclays Bank, which showed that the over-50s are responsible for starting 15% of all new businesses in England and Wales.

Yet, when you look closer, this is perhaps not so surprising. In today's enterprise economy, knowledge is more important than age, and anyone working for 20 or 30 years will build up a substantial depth of general business knowledge, not to mention industry-specific expertise. In addition, an older person is more likely to remain calm in the face of turbulent economic conditions, having weathered a few storms already.

However, the Barclays survey showed that their success could also be attributed, at least in part, to their willingness to invest time and effort in doing their homework. 43% had prepared a business plan before starting out, compared with just 28% of their younger counterparts, and 37% researched their competitors, 14% more than those under 50.

At Business Link we know that entrepreneurial flair and a passion for success are not confined to the young; we also know that careful planning can make the difference between success and failure. So, whether you're 27 or 72, if you want to know more about starting or growing a business, contact the Business Link customer service team on 0845 606 4466.

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