The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) has announced the launch of its first annual programme of awards, celebrating the individuals and businesses driving the UK’s international trade. The nine categories cover everything from sustainable trade to innovation and trade finance, with individual awards including young trader and a rising star award.
An independent panel of high-profile, expert judges has been selected from across all parts of the industry with policy experts selected to judge the award best suited to their expertise and experience.
Marco Forgione, IOE&IT director general says the new awards programme is an important step for the Institute and the industry.
“As a charity with the remit of promoting global trade as a force for good we wanted to recognise and celebrate the hard work, talent and achievements of the individuals and businesses driving the UK’s export economy forward.
“Celebrating export successes is important. We want to highlight excellence in export wherever we see it. There are awards for all sizes of business and for individuals at different ages and levels of experience.”
Helen Hastie, membership development manager at IOE&IT, adds that now is the right time to launch a celebration for those working in all areas of trade.
“After what has been an exciting, if challenging, few years for everyone involved in international trade it really feels like now is the right time to celebrate the wins and successes of the whole trade community.
“Thanks to the brilliant panel of judges we have lined up, these awards will set a new benchmark for achievement in the industry. I’m looking forward to seeing the winners celebrate and enjoy their success.”
The categories for this year's awards are:
- Innovation in trade award
- Investment in trade award
- Sustainable trade award
- Trading for good award
- Micro business of the year
- SME of the year
- Large business of the year
- Rising international trader
- Young trader of the year
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on the evening of 15 November 2023 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, London City. Earlier on the same day, IOE&IT is hosting its inaugural Import Export Show, with an impressive line-up of industry leaders and policymakers discussing the important themes and topics that are shaping international trade today.