Local companies urged to enter Explorer awards

Enterprising Northern Ireland businesspeople are being encouraged to enter the tenth annual Exporter of the Year awards which have been launched to highlight the ever-increasing vision shown by such companies.

Alan Hingston, Executive Director of Trade International, the Industrial Development Board’s export and trade arm, officially opened the awards, and praised the way in which local companies were "increasingly shrugging off the problems of recession in major markets" by exploring worldwide business opportunities.

He said: “Since last September, we’ve seen record numbers of participants – over 150, including many LEDU companies - sign up for our trade missions to emerging markets such as China, Iran and Vietnam. Over 30 companies have also shown interest in a planned mission to India. The work which we have undertaken with our colleagues in LEDU to help companies identify new opportunities will be further developed in Invest Northern Ireland."

He continued: “This strong engagement in our trade programme suggests that companies are now clearly looking beyond the established markets for growth. We’ve also been encouraged by companies which have used our export initiatives to launch or market test innovative products. Some recent examples have been the launches of Irish Linen plus Lycra and Modern Nomad fabrics."

Northern Ireland companies of all sizes - including those who are not clients of IDB or LEDU - in manufacturing and internationally tradeable services can enter the awards, which will be presented at a gala event in Belfast in June.

Mr Hingston added: “The Exporter of the Year Awards spotlight the achievements of local companies and the overall growth of Northern Ireland exports, which have more than doubled over the past decade. In 2000/01, exports rose by over 14 per cent and were driven by a 20 per cent rise in sales beyond Europe. By highlighting success we want to encourage many other companies to pursue growth through increased sales to external markets. Seeking the right support could be the first step in many more companies finding success and profitability through exports.”

Also present at the launch, Andrea Hayes, General Manager for Market Development Ireland and Isle of Man, British European said that the Exporter of the Year Awards represented "one of the most important nights in the Northern Ireland business calendar".

Timothy Quin, President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added: “Working with IDB in the Exporter of the Year Awards fits very well with our organisation’s own objectives – to promote business and to encourage commercial growth and local prosperity. These awards are vital as they provide recognition to those companies which have excelled, and they provide admirable role models for other companies throughout Northern Ireland.”

(CL)