From almost trebling exports by creating a website feature to allow people to design their dream bike to increasing exports to 88 per cent of total sales, the award winners show that how local businesses have continued to grow by maximising international trade to help the region climb out of the recession.

This year saw an increase in the number of award categories – from five to seven to recognise important aspects of developing business overseas – Young Exporter and Innovator.

Speaking at the awards Peter Hogarth, UKTI’s East Midlands International Trade Director, said:

“It’s encouraging that so many of our local businesses have continued to grow, by maximising overseas sales which is so vital to the economic recovery.  We also noted that they were several applicants who were relatively new to business, yet were succeeding overseas.

“I would like to congratulate all the companies who applied for these awards.  Never before has there been such a focus on export and with the Prime Minister heading up two major trade delegations to India and China in the last couple of months – you can see how important international business is to the economic recovery.  I hope these awards go some way to recognising the considerable achievements of our finalists and to all the East Midlands companies out there doing the business for the UK.”

East Midlands International Business Award 2010
Cromwell Tools Ltd, Leicester, for increasing global sales by over 35 per cent over the last year 2009-10.  The company, who employ 1,600 people across the world, established subsidiary companies in both locations and overcame challenges such as competing with local low cost alternatives.

Young Exporter Award, a new category for an individual under 35.
Iain, 34, the Commercial Director for RDC Aviation, who provide consultancy and online products for the air transport industry, ensured 88% of the customer base are international.  He did this by using web technology to showcase the firm’s products, attending industry conferences and developing a commercial distribution agreement.

Innovative Exporter
Mercian Cycles Ltd, Derby.  For increasing exports by 250% in 12 months via a new website feature that allows visitors to design their dream bike, and spreading the word by blogging in 97 countries.

Established Exporter BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China)
Ingrid Pears Hot Glass Studio, Newark, for her continued success in India with her award winning art glass.  Since first joining a trade mission to India in 2006 she has established a highly lucrative market in India accounting for 40 per cent of her turnover, with commissions including awards for Bollywood and a contract to create the India Business Awards in Mumbai for the British High Commission.  

Established Exporter Worldwide
Dynex Semiconductor Ltd of Leadenham, Lincoln won the Award for servicing a truly global market.  The firm, who produce and supply semiconductors, also won this years Queens Award for Enterprise for demonstrating outstanding achievement in growing its overseas sales by nearly 90% over three years.  In 2009 they won the East Midlands Business of the Year award for demonstrating considerable growth.

International Business Communications
Lincoln’s Househam Sprayers Ltd of Doddington Road. who produce crop sprayers, won the  award for entering ten new export markets in under a year.  By focusing on developing dealership chains in Europe and translating product support literature into the local languages and employing a Russian speaker they have been able to reach out to their new customers and build relationships with dealers across Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

New Exporter award.
Hinckley firm Re-Ball Ltd.  The firm, established in 2005 employ five people specialising in ballscrew and linear guide repair, which includes things like supporting the movement of a skyscraper during an earthquake.  They began exporting in 2008 with help from UK Trade & investment and have now expanded into other overseas markets, including Germany, Poland and Italy, by re-educating international customers so they repair components rather than replace them.

Almost 100 companies from throughout the region applied for the awards, covering seven categories. The awards have benefited previous winners by boosting staff morale and being seen as mark of quality for potential clients.

For more information about how UKTI can help businesses to expand internationally, visit www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk