Yesterday’s Import Export Show was the biggest edition of the event yet, and the afternoon featured the announcement of the 2025 winners of the International Trade Awards.

We caught up with a few of the winners to learn more about how it feels to win and what the awards mean to them.

Marking 90 years

“It’s an honour” to be recognised by the Chartered Institute, says Dr Poonam Gupta OBE of PG Paper Company, who won the ‘90-Year Honour: Legacy in International Trade Award’.

This category was set up to mark the Chartered Institute turning 90 years old this week.

“Awards like this are very important as, in international trade, goodwill is everything,” she said.

“When industry recognises you, you not only feel motivated to do better, you also set yourself higher goals.”

She adds that her success is also “for my team”, and that “our teamwork getting industry recognition motivates them” to work not just for their own sakes but for “international society”.

The judges said Gupta’s success reflected her “clear leadership in shaping trade behaviour and fostering collaboration between continents”, as well as her future-focused vision” that integrates “sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity and measurable growth targets”.

Rising Talent

The Rising Talent in International Trade category was won by Jakub Kopinski, of the Royal Bank of Scotland, part of NatWest Group.

Speaking to the Daily Update at the Import Export Show, Kopinski said the award was “very unexpected” and that it gives him motivation to support customers and “support the growth of the UK economy”.

“I’d definitely recommend to take part,” he added, saying that the feeling was “priceless”.

Sponsored by Leeds Beckett University, the Rising Talent award recognises achievements that have “set the foundation” for both “ongoing success” and a continuing contribution to international trade.

The judges said:

“[Kopinksi’s] story shows both technical mastery and commercial awareness, evidenced by measurable achievements across multiple markets and sectors. The transition from Poland to Scotland, rebuilding a portfolio from zero, and leading tangible export growth clearly illustrates adaptability and strategic acumen.”

‘Testament to truly amazing people’

Ramsden International claimed the MSME of the Year Award, meanwhile, having demonstrated “plans to create jobs and opportunities within international trade”, as well as “notable moments and cross-border growth plans”.

Posting on LinkedIn this morning, the firm’s chief executive, Sean Ramsden, said:

“This award is testament to the truly amazing people who work here, our loyal customers across the world, and our partners and suppliers!”

The judging panel called the firm “a fantastic success story” that was “enabling small British producers to export their products” and noted that “without their help” it could be too expensive or complex for many to do so. It also noted how Ramsden International’s post-Brexit operations in Belgium demonstrated resilience.

“Enhancing labelling efficiency with AI-powered ingredient translation in multiple languages” also showed a commitment to innovation.

Social impact

A commitment to ethical trading practices was recognised by the Social Impact in Trade Award, which went to Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) of the University of Warwick. WMG was recently involved in the establishment of the Women in Trade Hub (WiTH) UK.

Dr Rebecca Wilde, head of business innovation, supply chain and trade at WMG, said that the hub “brings together resources” and is “an advocate for decreasing barriers for women and underrepresented groups” in trade.

“This award really is testament to all the people and organisations involved in WiTH UK. It helps us to represent those who are underrepresented. I think it ultimately shows we are having an impact.”

Investment in trade

Netcompany claimed the Investment in Trade Award and was represented by Lars Langer, partner and global industry lead for tax and customs at the firm.

Langer said the company was “very honoured”, and that “it means a lot to me and to us”. He also hailed the experience of attending the Import Export Show, which he said was an educational experience, particularly on the subject of tariffs and trade wars.

He also welcomed the opportunity to catch up with senior figures from the world of trade and customs.