Oliver Valves scoops national exporter title

NORTH West manufacturer Oliver Valves has scooped a national award for its sparkling export success.

The Knutsford-based group, which makes and supplies valves to oil and gas companies worldwide, was recognised at the 2013 Growing Business Awards.

Oliver was joint winner of the Export Champion of the Year award and was praised by judges for its “astonishing overseas sales”, which have increased by 100% over the last few years.

The privately-owned company has recently opened offices in Brazil and Texas, to add to its existing bases in the Middle East and India. Judges said that the company has “created a unique set of products and combines this with excellent customer service.”

Chairman and founder Michael Oliver said: “It’s a privilege to have been selected as a winner in these awards. Our continued export success is evidence of the esteem in which British engineering and manufacturing is held around the world, and we are proud to fly the flag for ‘made in the UK’ as a brand.”

“The climate remains tough out there for everyone, but our success is proof that with hard work and innovation – it can be done.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, delivered a key speech at the awards in London.

Praising the “hard work, vision and risk-taking” of British businesses, he said now was a good time to invest to drive further growth.

He said: “We’ve done the emergency repairs. The engine has had a full service and is getting going again. But it won’t get into top gear until British business starts investing some of the half trillion pounds worth of cash it’s built up in reserve.”