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Posted: Wed 10th Jan 2024
UK companies that have made a success of exporting are being encouraged to enter the Department for Business and Trade's (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, which has prizes including a winners' reception in the Houses of Parliament.
The 2024 awards, which close for entries at 23:59 on Sunday 14 January, recognise businesses that are selling products or services overseas. The categories you can enter are:
Agriculture, food and Drink
Consultancy and professional services
Creative industries
Education and EdTech
Financial services and FinTech
Healthcare
Infrastructure and engineering
Low carbon energy
Manufacturing, advanced manufacturing and construction
Retail and consumer goods
DBT says it is looking for businesses that can clearly demonstrate how selling internationally has helped grow and improve their business in areas such as sales, culture and employment.
The government is also looking for compelling stories about selling internationally with interesting details about the steps the business has taken in its quest to go global.
As well as being able to attend the special event in Parliament, winners will also receive a trophy, certificate, digital badge, a year's free membership to the Institute of Exports and International Trade, a professional photoshoot and extensive promotion across DBT channels.
Small and medium sized businesses with up to 250 employees can enter the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards here.
Winning the retail and consumer goods category in 2023 was Anna White, founder of ScotlandShop.
Founded in 2002, the business specialises in handcraft bespoke tartan clothing, fabrics and home accessories.
It achieved sales of £2.4m in 2022, including significant revenue from the US market. Anna has set up a store in Albany, New York, as well as pop-up shops across the US and Canada.
The award judges recognised ScotlandShop as a great example of how heritage and long-lasting brands are attractive overseas.
Anna White said:
"Selling overseas has opened markets and opportunities not available to us within the very rural location where we are based. It spreads the risk: where one market dips, another does well, and in these uncertain times this has helped us hugely."
The Department for Business and Trade's UK Export Academy is a partner of Go Global, Enterprise Nation's international trade hub with advice on importing and exporting for small businesses.
