A NEW deal has been signed giving city businesses access to companies across the north of Italy.

It follows Glasgow Chamber of Commerce signing a formal co-operation agreement with the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy.

The memorandum of understanding will improve trade and business relationships between Chamber members and northern Italy.

The British Chamber of Commerce in Italy has 350 members and as a result of the new deal, joint trade events will be held in Glasgow and in Milan which will allow organisations from the two countries to meet up.

Glasgow Chamber president Neil Amner said: “The signing of this agreement could not have come at a more appropriate time with the uncertainty that the Brexit vote has brought to future trading relationships with Europe.

“This agreement shows we are on the front foot in maintaining business links with Europe and are not sitting back waiting on others to make decisions.”

“Glasgow and the West of Scotland have always had close links with Italy with many businesses owned and run by people of Italian descent.

“However this collaboration formalises that relationship and facilitates access for our members to a very important market in the prosperous northern half of the country.”

Chamber chief executive Stuart Patrick said the deal showed the importance of Scots firms attending events like the Milan Expo and developing face to face relationships.

He added: “The agreement with the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy follows close on the heels of a similar memorandum of understanding with Manhattan Chamber of Commerce in May.

“And we are actively seeking further such formal links with business organisations in other overseas cities.”