The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has opened nominations for the 2024 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards.
Through the annual awards programme, DBT celebrates the success of UK SMEs trading internationally, telling the stories of exporters from across the country operating in a wide range of sectors.
Timeline
Nominations open today (10 November) and close on 14 January. Businesses entering should be an SME, which is defined as a company with 250 employees or less.
The scheme will reward businesses in 10 sectors:
- Agriculture, Food & Drink
- Consultancy & Professional Services
- Creative Industries
- Education & Edtech
- Financial Services & Fintech
- Healthcare
- Infrastructure & Engineering
- Low Carbon Energy
- Manufacturing, Advanced manufacturing & Construction
- Retail & Consumer Goods
Businesses are restricted to entering one category and are not eligible to win multiple awards.
After the nomination period closes, a shortlisting and judging process will take place with the eventual winners announced on 9 April.
A parliamentary reception will be hosted for the winners.
Returning judge
On 17 May 2023, seven inaugural winners were announced.
The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) was a key supporter of the programme, with director general Marco Forgione serving on the judging panel for 2023 and helping to select the winning entrants. Forgione will return as a judge for 2024.
He said:
“It is a great pleasure to return as a judge for the Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards in 2024. Last year we saw the amazing depth of talent and entrepreneurial spirit of British businesses and I hope this will encourage even more companies to enter this year.
“This competition is further proof that international trade is a force for good, and that British goods and services are hugely valued overseas. IOE&IT is a proud partner of these awards, and we will continue to work closely with DBT to champion the amazing work being undertaken by British businesses trading across the world.”
The awards are free to enter. Nominations can be made here.