The first set of winners of the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ awards have been announced today (17 Wednesday).
Seven SMEs from across the UK were given the new award in recognition of their international trading achievements.
The Department of Business and Trade (DBT) launched the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign to celebrate the UK’s exporting successes and tell businesses’ stories.
‘Great honour’
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 and helping to select the winning entrants.
Forgione said:
“It is a great honour for IOE&IT to partner with DBT in this exciting new award programme.
“As a judge of the inaugural Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards, I had the pleasure to see the depth of talent, entrepreneurial spirit and outstanding business success which this year’s competition showcased. It was very difficult to choose just
one winner in each category.
Force for good
He added:
“This competition is further proof that international trade is a force for good, and that British goods and services are hugely valued overseas. The ingenuity of these winners should act as a catalyst to encourage more British businesses to explore new
export markets.
“We look forward to welcoming all the winners and highly commended businesses in this year’s awards as members of the IOE&IT and we will continue to work closely with DBT to champion the amazing work being undertaken by British businesses trading across
the world.”
'Proud' of British exporters
Kemi Badenoch, business and trade secretary, said:
“We’re proud of our British exporters and these awards rightly highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products around the world. I hope they serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder.”
The winning businesses have been drawn from seven sectors: consumer goods, education, agriculture, food and drink, creative, financial and professional services, digital and manufacturing.
This includes London-based exporters Little Moons, which produces ice cream bites wrapped in ‘mochi’ dough.
Awarded in the agriculture, food and drink category, the business exports to 28 countries including Australia, the Middle East and mainland Europe.
Clothing and technology
In the consumer award category, ScotlandShop was recognised for its tartan clothing, fabrics and home accessories, which are made to order. The business has grown from start-up to £2.4m sales in 2022 and employs 20 people in the UK and two in the US.Awardees also include firms producing cutting-edge of technology, such as Wiltshire-based Scanning Pens, which won the education award for its assistive-reading technology.
Its pens are sold in over 100 countries, including Australia, Canada, the US, Asia and Europe.
Champions
Within each category three additional businesses were also awarded highly commended status for their inspiring business stories and exporting prowess.
These included firms like Fever-Tree Drinks, Hornby Hobbies and NetSupport.
A high number of winning and highly commended businesses are also DBT Export Champions – firms which help to promote the benefits of exporting and encourage other companies across the UK to consider selling to overseas markets.Winning businesses will receive a digital badge and physical certificate, alongside promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success. They will also be visited by a DBT official and will be awarded IOE&IT business membership for one year.