The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has today (23 April) announced the winners of its second Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards.
The awards recognise small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for their success in export markets “and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity”, according to DBT.
Drinks and artificial intelligence
Among the winners are Warners Distillery, a Northamptonshire-based drinks firm that produces sustainable products with ingredients grown on its own farm, as well as data analytics firm Mosaic Smart Data, which provides AI and machine learning-powered services to its customers, over 70% of whom are based overseas.
Exports minister Lord Offord said of the awards:
“We’re proud of our British exporters and these Awards highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products and services around the world.
“I hope the winners serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder and encourage more businesses to showcase the incredible talent and innovation of UK businesses selling abroad.”
‘Incredibly high’ calibre
The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) helped to select the winners, and director general Marco Forgione spoke to recognise their unique achievements:
“The calibre of businesses that entered across all categories has been incredibly high and selecting a winner has been a tough job. We are delighted to offer an IOE&IT membership to these winners alongside the businesses that are highly commended and look forward to working with this year’s companies, helping them to grow and expand through international trade.
“These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the global trade success stories of small businesses from all nations and regions – and we hope these winners will inspire even more budding business owners."
Forgione added that it was “vital that these businesses are supported in their exporting journeys”, adding that it was important “that their success stories are celebrated”.
As well as an IOE&IT membership, winners are invited to a reception in Parliament and receive promotion through DBT channels.
Other winners of the awards reflected the UK’s prowess in exporting services. Intralink, which won the award in consultancy and professional services, helps other firms to expand into North America, Asia and Europe by growing exports and securing foreign investment.
The cutting edge
Other firms demonstrated excellence in the creative sector, with winners in the category Media Bodies achieving success in influencer marketing across 20 countries.
Other firms highly commended in the sector included Wales Interactive, noted for its work publishing and developing independent video games and interactive movies.
DBT made special mention of Munro Vehicles, which won in the low-carbon energy category. The firm, based in Glasgow, received the award on the basis of its development of fully electric vehicles geared towards helping essential industries make the transition to net zero emissions.
It exported to 23 countries last year, and its development of a new site in Glasgow is projected to create 300 jobs.