MORE than 20 companies are likely to be given financial help this year to promote their products or services overseas. The Commerce and Employment Department exhibition-support scheme is in its 20th year and there is still a high demand for grants.

In the recent States debate on the Sustainable Guernsey monitoring report 2004, the department’s minister, Stuart Falla, said the island must prove itself a business-friendly island.

Commerce’s business development manager Tony Brassell said that the department was delighted that 22 companies were likely to be given grants this year because it was helping them to promote themselves to distributors and customers.

‘The added bonus is that exhibitors, at the same time, take the message that Guernsey is a good place to do business,’ he said.

The scheme is open to local businesses in the manufacturing, light industry, e-commerce and non-financial services sectors.

Companies in the technology sector have been taking advantage of the scheme, with Byte Art using it to exhibit at this year’s Internet World Show at London’s Earl’s Court.

‘The grant enabled us to meet hundreds of potential clients and generate dozens of good leads which could lead to some valuable new business for us,’ said production director Simon Bone.

‘It is hard to use conventional advertising to reach our target market which is spread over such a huge area, so assistance with the costs of exhibiting helps us reach the right people.’

Details of how to apply for a grant

are available from the department on 234567.