A delegation of businesses from across the Sheffield City Region headed to Poland last week as part of a Northern Powerhouse trade mission.

The trip to Warsaw highlighted the key opportunities for businesses in the advanced manufacturing sector, while also showcasing Northern expertise in Poland.

Given the city region’s specialisms in advanced manufacturing and engineering, Poland is considered to be an important target market, as well as a gateway to Eastern and Central Europe.

The latest available figures show that Sheffield City Region exported £71 million worth of goods to Poland in 2015, and with flights from Doncaster Sheffield Airport to six Polish cities, there is the potential for significantly more trade (www.northernpowerhouse.gov.uk).

Marian Sudbury, director of exports and investment for the Northern Powerhouse, said: “As an international economic department, our global export promotion activity allows us to identify the sector- market combinations that present the greatest opportunities for business.

"Trade missions allow us to showcase Northern expertise and encourage companies to develop business overseas in a structured and supportive environment.”

Poland is currently seeking investment in its manufacturing sector, including rail, where the Sheffield City Region has strong capabilities.

Among the 18 companies taking part in the trade mission are Numill Ltd, Macalloy Ltd, Straaltechniek Ltd, Armeg Ltd and Cerex Ltd.

Anne Wilson, managing director of Numill, said: “Poland is a new market for us, but we are excited to investigate the prospects that come from the country’s strong manufacturing base.

“In particular, rail is a big spend area in Poland, and our experience means we could foster good collaboration with the right people.

"Automotive is also strong in the market and, with our strong track record in the sector, we see significant potential.”