Addressing a conference hosted by smallbusiness|europe in Brussels, DTI Minister Nigel Griffiths said enlargement presented entrepreneurs with a massive opportunity to break into new markets.

The entry of 10 new member states next year will create the largest single market in the world - bigger than the US and Japan combined - with 450 million consumers.

Speaking in Brussels, Griffiths, the small business minister, said: 'An enlarged Europe means that firms will have important new markets on their doorstep. The remaining obstacles to doing business with the new members will be removed, so it's an opening door for small firms.

'Since 1990, for example, UK trade with the 10 new member states has increased by over 400 per cent, compared with a 43 per cent increase in trade with the rest of the world.

'With the help of Business Link and the DTI's Trade Partners UK, many small businesses have already made inroads into these new markets. I urge more small firms to follow their example.'

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