A business based in King's Lynn has been exploring potential opportunities in Germany through an international network established to renew the town's medieval trading ties.

The west Norfolk town is a founding member of the Business Hanse, a network launched for businesses to access international markets and stimulate overseas trade.

Dennis Blackmore, managing director of Learning Resources based in King's Lynn, joined the first members' meeting of the Business Network in Herford, Germany and explored possible opportunities in the region.

The Business Hanse was established in 2013 and is based on the town's historic Hanseatic League, a network which promoted trade links in medieval times.

Nick Daubney, leader of West Norfolk Council and driving force behind King's Lynn's involvement with Business Hanse, said: 'The network has grown, with over 100 members from across Europe, the Baltic region and Russia.'

It has been calculated that part the entire area involved covers a market with a combined population of over 300 million.

He added: 'In 10 or 20 years' time King's Lynn businesses could be very much involved in this potentially huge overseas market.

'The town is very much at the heart of the network and is becoming well-known across Northern Europe. But these networks are not going to be established in a matter of a few months, they will take a some time.'

To find out how your business could be involved visit New Business Hanse.

- Does your west Norfolk business have an interesting story to tell? Email louise.hepburn@archant.co.uk