WORLDWIDE exports by a Scarborough area company using cutting edge technology are projected to grow 40pc within the next five years, creating more jobs.

Hunmanby-based Deep Sea Electronics plc (DSE), the world's largest, independent manufacturer of control systems for the power generation industry, started exporting in the mid-1970s at a time when it made underwater communications systems for the commercial diving industry.

Today, with a broader portfolio, exports of its innovative control and monitoring systems for generators in a diversity of locations all over the world account for half the company's business.

Now, with ongoing help and advice from Jeffrey Bean, international trade adviser from Business Link York and North Yorkshire, the 47-strong company anticipates a steep rise in export sales to 70pc of turnover, although it is reluctant to give exact figures.

Val Hickman, DSE's marketing manager, said the company's predicted export growth would concentrate on consolidating existing markets as well as finding and developing new ones.

She said: "I contacted Business Link York and North Yorkshire when the company felt its export approach needed more direction. We had a small network of distributors in place but we were keen to adopt a more professional approach."

Mr Bean encouraged Ms Hickman to sign up for the UK Trade and Investment-run Passport to Export scheme, which aims to help companies develop a more strategic approach to export and gain guidance about breaking into new markets.

Germany was identified as a target market and, through the commercial section at the British Consulate General, Jeffrey secured a market report listing potential distributors.

Ms Hickman said: "We have been able to draw on the wealth of experience and knowledge that Jeffrey and the Business Link team has in export trade, and this has helped give us a clearer view of how to move forward and be more effective.

"Although most of the groundwork has now been completed by Business Link, Mr Bean continues to provide one-to-one support to ensure we have the skills and confidence to make our export strategies work."

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, January 07, 2004