GRANTS to help companies create business worldwide are being offered by Swindon Council.

The money is available through two different schemes aimed at helping small and medium sized firms improve their management practices and make contacts with overseas companies.

The first scheme was set up by the Government's Trade and Industry Department and aims to help companies get a global perspective on science, technology and best practice in management.

Through the International Technology Service Second-ments Programme, people from any business background can spend between three to 12 months at a host company and receive half of the direct costs of the secondment.

The scheme is open to companies with up to 250 employees and there is also financial help for language learning as well as practical advice.

The second initiative offers firms the opportunity to market themselves in several countries by making one short trip overseas.

The EU Partenariat events focus on different industries and feature 400 specially selected companies from the host region and 2,000 visitor companies from around the world who network during two days.

The council is offering half of the cost of travel to Partenariat events, which will be taking place in Croatia and China.

Daryl Jones, senior economic development officer, said: "The world is getting a smaller place and for businesses to stay competitive they need to keep up with this trend.

"The Partenariat events are a great opportunity for businesses to meet face to face and make links.

"Over the years a couple of Swindon businesses have made links and went on to supply or receive goods.

"The secondments are an ideal opportunity for people to understand how things are done in different countries and gain a mutual understanding of different working cultures and learn from them."