The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched a new awards scheme recognising and celebrating UK SMEs trading internationally across a wide range of sectors.
The inaugural ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards’ will reward traders in seven sectors and will be judged by senior officials at DBT and the Institute of Export & International Trade’s (IOE&IT) director general Marco Forgione.
Winners will receive a certificate, digital badge accreditation, high profile site visit from a DBT representative and promotional activity organised by DBT.
Pride in UK exporters
Exports minister Andrew Bowie said the awards are an “excellent way of celebrating some fantastic businesses punching above their weight” in international markets.
“We are proud of our great British exporters, and this government’s support for British exporters and new free trade agreements with more than 70 countries means businesses can benefit from exciting new opportunities across the world,” he said.
Forgione agreed and said that he hopes the award winners will prove to be an inspiration to British companies who could, but don’t yet, export. He said:
“We should be proud of the exporters that fly the flag for Britain oversees and promote them as examples for other businesses to follow.
“Businesses that sell internationally have been found, time and again, to be more productive, sustainable and efficient. Highlighting the successes of the award winners will prove this fact to companies that could, but don’t yet, export.”
Free to enter
The awards are free for businesses to enter. To apply, businesses will only need to complete a short submission form on the DBT website.
The scheme will reward businesses in seven sectors:
- Agriculture, food and drink
- Consumer goods
- Creative industries
- Digital
- Education
- Financial and professional services
- Manufacturing
The deadline for submissions is Thursday 23 February 2023 at 23:59, with the winners' being announced in mid-April 2023.