Exporters in Basildon are in an optimistic frame of mind for their first full week of business in the new millennium.

Express carrier DHL Basildon, which serves more than 2,000 companies, claims in its annual report the company made the most of 1999 after a bad start.

Basildon exporters are fighting hard to maintain their share of overseas markets, according to DHL service centre manager Simon Withey.

He said: "1999 was a better year for UK exporters than many of us predicted this time last year. Their determination to hang on to what they have got and at the same time seek out new opportunities is phenomenal.

"The overall outlook is that, despite the continuing strong pound, 2000 should be an even better year than 1999."

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