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Four regional companies trading in areas as diverse as baby products and translation services are celebrating today after receiving awards for their export successes.
The companies received their awards from lingerie entrepreneur, Michelle Mone, at the Yorkshire and Humber Passport to Export and Targeted Export Support Awards, which were held in Leeds on 13 March by Yorkshire Forward and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
The evening was a celebration of success for all the companies taking part in UKTI's Passport and Targeted Export Support programmes and recognised achievement in four areas of export.
Speaking at the awards, Mone, who started her first business aged 11 and went on to create the Ultimo bra range, which is now sold across the globe commented: "In business you have got to be 100 steps ahead of your competitors or you’re gone.
"These awards are important because they help launch businesses and the support they receive helps them to grow."
Receiving the accolade of the 'Region's Best Exporter' was corporate translation service Applied Language Solutions. Established in its founder’s spare bedroom in Huddersfield in 2003 the company has expanded to offices across the globe, with the support of the UKTI's Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS) and Passport to Export.
Harrogate based Lindam Ltd received an award for 'Most Improved Exporter'. The company is a major supplier of baby products to retailers including Boots and babies-r-us. In 2004 the company reviewed its export strategy and in 2005 worked with UKTI and the Passport to Export scheme.
Lindam was supported by a UKTI international trade advisor and through the Passport scheme was able to improve its understanding of the target customers and how to reach them. Its export turnover has now been doubled and the company has developed customer bases in 11 new countries.
Scientific instrumentation company Paraytec also received an award, for 'Most Prepared for Export' in recognition of its forward planning. The York based company has developed a new miniature analytical device that can be used to test liquid samples in a number of life science applications. Working with UKTI and accessing TESS grants, the company was able to identify its main markets and source potential customers in Europe before the product was even fully developed.
For Saltaire-based Europlus Direct, being able to communicate and do business in its clients language is essential. Europlus Direct specialises in providing international IT services. Its first contract was with IBM France in 2004, since which time it has expanded to provide services across Europe. It markets its services online, using a multilingual website, which can be automatically tailored to the appropriate domestic market at the click of a mouse. Europlus Direct’s website earned the award for 'Best multilingual website'.
UKTI regional international trade director Mark Robson said: "This year’s winners show the impressive range of companies working in the Yorkshire & Humber region, and the diversity of entrepreneurial spirit which drives their founders.
These awards have rewarded an established, major employer; a translation company founded only three years ago and a technology company which is harnessing the research talent of one of our leading universities. They demonstrate that with UKTI's expert advice and its global support network behind them, companies can expand their international business faster, further and smarter."
Simon Hill, executive director of business at Yorkshire Forward added: "There has been a tendency within the region towards trading predominantly with local and domestic markets – currently only 5,000 businesses in the region are exporting. Whilst domestic sales are vital to the regional economy, it is hugely important that companies diversify their markets abroad to achieve trading stability.
"These awards not only recognise the achievements of these companies, but also demonstrate the benefits to be had from doing so."
