A HYTHE based company could soon be exporting its lightweight folding tables and stacking benches to hospitals, community halls, schools and nurseries in Germany after taking part in a scheme to encourage South East companies to do business abroad.

Gopak Ltd took part in an Export Explorer visit to Stuttgart earlier this year. The scheme, launched in 1998, offers new exporters the chance to visit overseas countries close to the UK and get their share of the £1,381 billion international exporting market.

It is designed for small companies with little experience of markets outside the UK and is a good way for them to make face-to-face contacts.

Gopak joint managing director Andrew Fieldwick said: "The quality of the contacts identified and the assistance with the preparation before and during the trip was first rate.

"We found the whole Explorer experience to be very informative and were delighted with the service we received. I am keen to expand the export side of the business and am concentrating on using these opportunities to do so."