We go from one end of the spectrum to the other this week as we sing the praises of the ambitious individuals and companies just starting out on the road to global markets, alongside those seasoned traders who fancy their chances in the International Trade Awards.
Here at Export House in Peterborough we are hosting a free “boot camp” to give a vital head start to owners and managers of companies planning to expand into international markets. Our intensive ‘International Trade – Rapid Growth Boot Camp’ event on 3rd April will prepare businesses for overseas trading, covering all the essential areas such as establishing successful export strategies and avoiding common pitfalls, as well as advice on sales, pricing and marketing.
There will also be an opportunity to network with other like-minded business professionals over croissants and coffee. Places are limited so do visit our events page for more details. And keep an eye on the website for events we run throughout the year at different venues.
Meantime, the 2012 International Trade Awards have just been launched. These are the only UK-wide business awards dedicated exclusively to celebrating excellence achieved by the UK’s leading exporters and importers.
Companies with a turnover of more than £250,000 compete in nine regional heats, each of which has its own awards ceremony at which a winner is chosen from 12 shortlisted entrants. These nine finalists then compete for the UK awards which will be announced at the House of Lords in December. You can enter here.
The prestigious titles at stake are:
- International Trade Small to Medium Sized Company of the Year Award
- The International Trade Excellence in Innovation Award
- The International Trade New Frontiers Award
- The International Trade Company of the Year Award (won last year by AESSEAL Plc)
Despite turmoil in global markets we’re delighted that these awards help to demonstrate that UK business and industry are still world-beaters in many fields. We’re looking forward to seeing this year’s high achievers honoured – and who knows, maybe one of our boot camp delegates will be a winner of the future!