THE chairman of Stroud-based software specialists ICNet International will encourage businesses to start exporting when he takes to the stage at the south west’s largest global trade event next week.

Michael Houghton will highlight the firm’s successes in the international market as one of three case study companies speaking at the ExploreExport fair at the University of the West of England’s Conference and Exhibition Centre in Bristol on Tuesday, June 28.

The event will give business leaders the opportunity to meet representatives from countries as diverse as Taiwan and Hungary and will include one-to-one meetings, presentations and speeches from leading business experts offering practical advice on overcoming issues surrounding exporting.

Founded in 2000, ICNet International provides software which helps combat infections in hospitals by alerting staff when patients are either infected, or at risk of infection from dangerous viruses such as MRSA or E. coli.

The company is aiming to ensure its export sales equal its UK sales within two years and is on target to reach the £3 million mark.

"We are forever banging the export drum and looking for new markets to enter," said Mr Houghton.

"There is never a week when one of the directors is not overseas.

"Exporting is vital for any business looking to grow as the domestic market just is not large enough."