LOOK to emerging markets like China, India, Latin America and Eastern Europe for your opportunities, top North Yorkshire business people were urged.

The suggestion came from former CBI director general Sir Digby Jones, now senior adviser to Deloitte and Barclays Capital, speaking at a dinner for senior business people at Ripley Castle, near Ripon.

He emphasised the massive potential for growth.

But Sir Digby warned companies looking for selling opportunities in emerging markets that they must take account of factors such as the political or economic stability of the country concerned, along with regulations and tax regimes.

He added: "It's not just a UK manufacturing challenge. Emerging markets loom ever larger in the business strategies of global manufacturing companies."