Expert exporters shine at awards ceremony
THE region’s businesses making a name for themselves overseas have been recognised at a special awards ceremony.
Organised by Yorkshire Forward and UK Trade and Investment, the Going Global Awards 2010 reward regional companies that are growing their business through international trade.
Six regional companies took home awards, whittled down from more than 60 entries.
The award for Best New Exporter went to international recruitment firm m2r. With help from UKTI’s Passport to Export programme, the Wakefield-based company has established itself firmly in the Middle East.
Darren Ledger senior consultant at m2r, said: “m2r is absolutely delighted to be recognised for our continued success in these exciting markets during such challenging times. Our future goal is to continue forging a reputation in the MEA region, but also to begin working with and providing services to the exciting and innovative companies on our doorstep here in Yorkshire.”
Huddersfield-based Paxman Coolers took home the award for Best Market Entry Strategy. With its Paxman Scalp Cooler product, the company has been supported by UKTI and has used the Yorkshire Forward funded Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS) to access the French market and achieve a 300% growth over three years.
The Most Improved Exporter award was presented to Dismatec, the one-stop-shop for consultancy and project services to glass plant engineering and furnace installation projects. The Sheffield firm took advantage of UKTI’s Passport to Export service to increase its export sales and build its brand internationally.
The Best Exporter title was scooped by Leeds-based Geofabrics, which has increased its export sales and turnover, employing additional staff to its sales team as a result.
Andy Warwick, international sales manager for Geofabrics, said: “We have spent a lot of time and effort to develop work overseas in an ever increasing competitive market. We have seen this is the way forward for our company not to only survive in these difficult times, but to also grow the company beyond its traditional business levels.”
York-based footwear retailer Pavers won the Best Overseas Investment title for its heavy investment in a joint venture based in Mauritius to take advantage of the expanding Indian consumer market.
The Best New Export Initiative/Project went to international media consultancy Creatives Loop based in Ripponden. With support and advice from UKTI and using the Yorkshire Forward funded TESS, the company has looked to three European markets to launch a new product aimed at facilitating international partnerships in the creative media industry.
Speaking at the awards, Conor Woodman, former economist and star of the Channel 4 series Around the World in 80 Trades, said: “Companies don’t necessarily need a huge team of people or a massive investment to be successful in international trade. Building relationships is the key and understanding cultural nuances can be the difference between profit and loss.”
Linda Pollard, assistant chairwoman for Yorkshire Forward, said: “It is vital that companies are connected to opportunities to expand into new markets and given the encouragement and practical support that will allow them to survive and grow. Our Going Global Meet the Buyer Event will do just this; creating tangible opportunities for our region’s businesses by putting them in the same room as world-renowned buyers.”
