British SMEs are being inspired to enter a government-run award scheme designed to have fun exporting success, with earlier winners crediting the accolades for serving to them safe abroad offers and broaden their world attain.
The Division for Enterprise and Commerce (DBT) has opened purposes for its Made within the UK, Offered to the World awards, which have been first launched in 2021. New classes this 12 months embody ‘digital and technology’ and ‘export services’, becoming a member of current classes akin to foods and drinks, schooling and edtech, and low-carbon vitality.
Winners will obtain a free enterprise membership to the Chartered Institute of Export & Worldwide Commerce, in addition to an invite to a parliamentary reception. A variety of previous recipients say that the prize has heightened the popularity and credibility of their companies, making it simpler to increase into contemporary markets.
Tom Warner, co-founder of Warner’s Distillery, attributes securing distribution in Italy and New Zealand partly to profitable within the foods and drinks class in 2024: “Distributors don’t say ‘we’re working with you because you won that award’, but it’s part of your pedigree and due diligence … [It] gives distributors the confidence to have a go.”
Poonam Gupta, founding father of PG Paper, one other 2024 winner, mentioned the accolade added “credibility to the company, which makes it easier for us to open new markets and sell to new customers”. PG Paper now exports to over 60 international locations, with exports accounting for almost all of its gross sales.
Anna White, founder and managing director of Scotlandshop, gained the award in 2023. Her tartan items enterprise has been exporting since 2002 and not too long ago opened a store in Albany, New York. “The awards are a great way to meet other exporters, learn from each other and showcase what your business does,” she mentioned.
Glasgow-based Munro Automobiles, a designer and producer of electrical autos, gained in 2024. Chief government Russ Peterson mentioned the award had “kickstarted several conversations with businesses outside of the UK for vehicle supply”, serving to pave the best way for discussions on abroad distribution channels.
The push to encourage extra companies to commerce internationally comes because the Centre for Financial Efficiency reported a £27 billion drop in items exports to the EU post-Brexit. Gareth Thomas, minister for companies, small companies and exports, believes the awards will encourage small corporations to discover export alternatives. “When small businesses export, it opens a wealth of incredible opportunities,” he mentioned.
Profitable candidates achieve greater than only a trophy: the DBT helps first-time exporters by offering recommendation and important paperwork steerage for abroad markets. Award winners say the expertise has helped them construct contacts, validate their credentials, and in the end increase their gross sales overseas.
