Experts in Exports Rewarded at the Going Global Awards

17/03/2010

Regional businesses that are making a name for themselves overseas were recognised for their efforts at an awards ceremony in Harrogate last night.

Organised by Yorkshire Forward and UK Trade and Investment, the Going Global Awards 2010 are designed to recognise regional companies that are growing their business through international trade.

Six regional companies took home awards, whittled down from over 60 entries from across the region.  Over 200 business and international buyer representatives attended the event, which was held at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate.

Presenting the awards on the night, Linda Pollard, Assistant Chair for Yorkshire Forward congratulated those present: “This award ceremony recognises the achievements of our region’s businesses and demonstrates that Yorkshire and Humber is a hotbed of innovative, forward-thinking and vibrant companies.

“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.”

Mark Robson, Director of International Trade for UKTI added: “Businesses are operating in a difficult marketplace and one of great change. However, change is an opportunity for growth and now is not the time to stop looking for new markets, quite the opposite. This is why we are supporting these awards and the Going Global Meet the Buyer event. We hope that from these events, contacts will be made and trade relationships formed.”

Best New Exporter

The Best New Exporter was awarded to international recruitment firm m2r Ltd. 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 Ltd 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!”

Best Market Entry Strategy

The award for Best Market Entry Strategy went to Huddersfield based Paxman Coolers Ltd. With their product, the Paxman Scalp Cooler, the company has been supported by UKTI and has utilised the Yorkshire Forward funded Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS) to access the French market and achieve a 300% growth over three years.

Richard J.Paxman BSc, Operations Director, Paxman Coolers Ltd:  “To receive such an award is a great honour and recognition for all the hard work and dedication of the Paxman team in entering what is a difficult market and also in the current economic climate.  I would like to thank UKTI for all the support to help us achieve our goals to date.  We plan to carry out similar marketing activity around the globe including Asia and America.  Thank you for the continued support.”

Most Improved Exporter

The Most Improved Exporter award was presented to Dismatec Ltd the one-stop-shop for consultancy and project services to glass plant engineering and furnace installation projects. The Sheffield based firm has utilised UKTI’s Passport to Export service to increase its export sales and build its brand internationally.

Best Exporter

The Best Exporter title went to the now international Geofabrics Ltd. The Leeds based business has increased its export sales and therefore its turnover, employing additional staff to its sales team as a result.

Andy Warwick, International Sales Manager for Geofabrics Ltd comment: “To win this award is a fantastic recognition for our team and company who 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.”

Best Overseas Investment

In the Best Overseas Investment award was given to York based footwear retailer Pavers Ltd. The firm invested heavily in a joint venture based in Mauritius to take advantage of the expanding Indian consumer market.

Stuart Paver, Managing Director of Pavers Ltd welcomed the award: “Pavers are delighted with the progress of their joint venture in India so far but we are only at the start of the journey. India provides an opportunity unparalleled in the world at the moment and Pavers are at the forefront of the retail revolution occurring there.”

Best New Export Initiative/Project

The Best New Export Initiative/Project was won by International Media Consultancy Creatives Loop, based in Ripponden, West Yorkshire. 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.

Simon Preston, Managing Director for Creatives Loop comments: "We are very proud to win this award. In these very difficult economic times, it was with the support of UKTI and Yorkshire Forward that we were able to make the bold and adventurous move into several export markets. We are now reaching a Global Audience of Film-makers, TV Producers and Broadcasters with the Co-Production Factory, the World's First and Only Fully Dedicated Co-Production website."

Speaking at the awards, Conor Woodman, former economist and star of the Channel 4 series Around the World in 80 Trades, filmed as he traded his way across four continents as a travelling merchant, advised those present to “Never forget the value of information and the importance of making good contacts in gaining new customers.”

As he talked of the lessons he learned trading, he emphasized that the principles of trade are universal and that companies “don’t necessarily need a huge team of people or a massive investment to make to be successful in international trade. Building relationships is the key and understanding cultural nuances can be the difference between profit and loss.”

More information

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Leona Thompson, Senior Press Manager on 0113 3949589 or email Leona.thompson@yorkshire-forward.com