Deadline For The International Trade Awards 2009 Draws Near

The deadline for the International Trade Awards 2009, sponsored by HSBC, is now drawing near for businesses based in the North East, Yorkshire & Humber and North West regions.  Exceptional importers and exporters across the UK are encouraged to take part in the UK's only national business awards, which exclusively recognise the success achieved by British companies trading internationally.

Now in its third year, the International Trade Awards celebrate excellence among businesses of all sizes that trade overseas.  And despite the challenging economic environment over the past year, many British companies have achieved significant successes in the international arena.

These successes will be recognised through the awards, with categories including awards for innovation, small-to-medium sized businesses and the overall 'International Trade Company of the Year' award.

Companies from across the UK will battle it out in 12 regional heats to win a place at the final, which will be held at the House of Lords in March 2010. The closing date for North East, Yorkshire & Humber and North West regions is Friday 9th October.

Businesses that wish to take part can find out more and enter at:
www.internationaltrade.co.uk/awards

Stuart Nivison, HSBC head of trade and supply chain, Europe said: "As countries begin to emerge from the recession, British companies that trade internationally are well positioned to make the most of opportunities arising from economic recovery. There are many companies in the UK that are not only surviving but thriving as they focus on new markets and opportunities overseas. This is a chance for them to be recognised and rewarded for their achievements, which is why HSBC is delighted to endorse these awards."

Winning an award not only raises the profile of a business, but it also acknowledges key staff contributions. Dave Litchfield, Managing Director of South East based NGS Software, received the 2008 award for 'Excellence in Innovation'. He says: "The NGS team were extremely pleased when the award was announced and it was really satisfying to know that all of their innovative ideas and cutting edge research had been recognised and acknowledged with the award, especially by such an esteemed award committee."

He adds: "Since winning the International Trade Award our business has continued to grow, despite the credit crunch, which hit many of our competitors and our company was sold to NCC Group a FTSE 100 Company."

Ian Campbell OBE, spokesperson for International Trade Awards and chairman of the judges, explains "It is a great route to establish your market leadership and these awards show the country, the media, and our political master that UK business and industry are still world beaters in many fields and International Trade.co.uk is delighted to have the opportunity, annually, to reward and show off these great British companies"

For further information or to request an application form visit www.internationaltradeawards.com; email awards@internationaltrade.co.uk; or call the awards team on 0845 5000 328

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Media Contact
Lucy Hull
email Lucy@freshbusinessthinking.com
Tel. 0845 5000 328

The awards are organised by www.internationaltrade.co.uk and managed by FBT Media

All links to: http://www.internationaltradeawards.com  

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARDS 2008 REGIONAL WINNERS

EAST OF ENGLAND	STG Aero Space, Swaffham, Norfolk
EAST MIDLANDS	Mace Industries, Corby, Northamptonshire
LONDON	Chapman Taylor LLP, London
NORTH EAST	Davy Roll, Gateshead
NORTHERN IRELAND	Terex Finlay, Omagh, Co Tyrone
NORTH WEST	James Halstead Flooring, Radcliffe, Manchester
SCOTLAND	University of Glasgow, School of Management
SOUTH EAST	NGS Software, Sutton, Surrey
SOUTH WEST	Policy Plus, Bath
WALES	Penn Pharmaceuticals, Tredegar
WEST MIDLANDS	B Hepworth , Redditch, Worcestershire
YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE	Pace, Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Closing Date for Entries
North East - Friday 09 October     2009
Yorkshire and Humber - Friday 09 October     2009
North West - Friday 09 October     2009 

East of England  - Friday 30 October     2009
East Midlands - Friday 30 October     2009
London - Friday 30 October     2009 

South East - Friday 20 November 2009
South West - Friday 20 November 2009
West Midlands - Friday 20 November 2009

Wales - Friday 15 January     2010
Scotland - Friday 15 January     2010
Northern Ireland - Friday 15 January     2010

InternationalTrade.co.uk is part of the overall network of leading international trade titles to the UK market:
www.InternationalTrade.co.uk

International Trade is the leading independent provider of country, industry and management analysis for exporters and importers. For 70 years we have delivered vital business intelligence to influential decision-makers around the world. Our independence makes us a trusted and valuable resource for international companies, financial institutions and government agencies.

HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc serves over 130 million customers worldwide through 9,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of some US$2,527 billion at 31 December 2008, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as 'The world's local bank'.