This is why the Minister for International Trade visited Sussex - and what he said to local businesses

Held at Wilton Park near Steyning in West Sussex, the SussExport event showed local business leaders the help that was available to them in realising their global ambitions, not least through the Department for International Trade.

Mr Jayawardena said: “Sussex is a breeding ground for brilliant businesses producing a variety of great British products. It’s home to many tech pioneers, its food and drink is quickly becoming a staple around the world and its manufacturing industry is going from strength to strength.

“More exports mean more jobs, more growth and more opportunities – in Sussex and right across Britain – and I’m pleased we are helping these businesses sell to markets far beyond our shores and reach their full potential.”

Companies were welcomed to the day by the chair of Wilton Park Gisela Stuart, the Director General, Exports and UK Trade Department for International Trade Andrew Mitchell, and the MP for Arundel and the South Downs Andrew Griffith, and the chief executive of Wilton Park Tom Cargill.

SussExport is a unique event for local firms to engage with the Sussex growth story. As well as being a showcase for the very best of Sussex export business, the one-day event provides an opportunity for companies to engage with ministers, business leaders and trade ambassadors and for them to share their story on what it takes to deliver Sussex-made products into the global marketplace with its challenges and opportunities.