Nominations are now open for the 2020 PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Export Awards. 

UMi created the event in 2016 to recognise the North’s top exporters and celebrate their achievements in international trade, while also giving inspiration to others to consider exporting as a realistic opportunity for growth.

The awards, held in partnership with PD Ports and in association with HSBC, will take place on 19 March 2020 at Teesside International Airport in Tees Valley.

Nicki Clark, UMi Chief Executive, said: “UMi is all about helping business go further and this is a perfect example of how we do that - by celebrating the fantastic achievements of businesses whose horizons stretch beyond our own shores.

“The stories behind the amazing companies which enter the awards inspire others to also consider the opportunities in trading overseas. The awards evening also helps them find the relationships and guidance they need to ensure their own success.”

Kirsten Donkin, Head of PR, Marketing and Communications at PD Ports, said: “As one of the UK’s major port groups headquartered in the North East, the only continuous net exporting region in the UK, we see the critical importance export plays in the vital growth of the economy. 

“The Northern Powerhouse Export Awards are the perfect opportunity to profile the outstanding entrepreneurial exporting achievements and acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of businesses, large and small, in reaching new global markets. There has never been a better time to showcase the North and celebrate the worthy exporting success.”

Leigh Briggs, Regional Director for Global Trade and Receivables Finance for HSBC UK in the North, said: “For more than 150 years, we’ve been connecting the intrepid exporters of great British business with opportunities around the world to help them grow.

“We’re delighted to once again be sponsoring the Northern Powerhouse Export Awards and taking the opportunity to celebrate the far-reaching impact our exporters have within the local economy as they take their products and services to the world.”

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said: “Teesside International Airport is at the heart of my plans to grow our economy through international trade and investment, so it is fitting that the PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Export Awards are to be held here. This will be the first of many events coming to Teesside International, so watch this space.”

The award categories are:
• E-commerce Exporter of the Year
• Most Entrepreneurial Exporter of the Year
• Micro Exporter of the Year (turnover less than £2m)
• New to Export (business of any age exporting for less than three years)
• Small Exporter of the Year (turnover £2m - £10m)
• Large Exporter of the year (turnover +£10m)
• Export Team of the Year
• High Growth Market Exporter of the Year
• Emerging Markets Exporter of the Year
• Overall PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Exporter of the Year

You can find all the details on how to nominate your business, book tickets and sponsorship opportunities, here. The judging panel will be announced in the near future.