North East Winners Keep The Chills Away From Their Financial Outlook!

      

Kilfrost Group, based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has been declared North East England winners of the 2009 International Trade Awards, sponsored by HSBC Bank Plc.

Kilfrost is the global leader in the development, manufacture and sale of de-icing and anti-icing fluids for the aviation industry.  For over 75 years they have led de-icing technology and exports now account for around 75 per cent of Kilfrost’s business.  During the last three years, exports have grown by 146 per cent.

Kilfrost are presented with the International Trade Award for the North East Region (L-R: Martin Rogers, HSBC; Nicola Bruce, Kilfrost; David Morgan, Kilfrost; Allan Wilkinson, HSBC, Chris Blaxall, Kilfrost; Steve Peck, HSBC; Ian Campbell OBE.)

Chairman of judges, Ian Campbell OBE said: “So often, commentators and politicians write off UK manufacturing industry as old-fashioned and uncompetitive. In a company such as Kilfrost with excellent products, a respected global brand, a commitment to R&D which is helping to develop new, environmentally-friendly products and a service ethic second to none, one sees the true greatness of UK industry which deserves recognition as amongst the best in the world.”

Kilfrost products are manufactured in the UK, Europe, Far East and North America for sale in over 50 countries worldwide manufactured in the UK, mainland Europe and under licence in the US and Far East for sale in over 50 countries worldwide.  Key to their successful development is long-standing relationships with key customers in both airline and airport management around the world, and a commitment to staying one step ahead of their competition with reinvestment in innovative new technologies. Chris Blaxall, Kilfrost’s Chief Operating Officer, on receipt of the award today, said:

“We’re delighted to be recognised with this Award and it’s testament to the hard work, drive and determination of our whole team. 2009 has been the best year in Kilfrost’s entire 75 year history and this is due in no small part to our significantly increased export order book. Not only do we now operate in over 50 countries and five continents, but we’re proud to supply our safety-critical de-icing and anti-icing fluids to transport hubs across the globe.”

He continues: “Our renowned R&D team has developed a pioneering new fluid which uses a bio-glycol derived from a sustainable source. This is a world first and has helped us support our clients in their own drive to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. We look forward to continuing to expand our global presence, particularly in the Americas and China, and to exploring new markets for our cutting-edge fluids such as heat transfer and ground de-icing.”

Allan Wilkinson, Area Commercial Director of HSBC who presented the award said:  “Our winners this year have continued to strive forward with excellent and increased levels of exports to their clientele, whom themselves have suffered massively in the current down turn. To achieve this and to innovate their product range for the future, by accommodating environmental improvements, demands a clear sight of the market place and a practical application of their business strategy from a strong and very complimentary management team.  Kilfrost is very well placed to face the current challenges and also to take advantage of the many opportunities that arise, and we are proud to present them with this award as a champion of the Region.”

Tyne & Wear based Wessington Cyrogenics Ltd, leading international cryogenic vessel manufacturer were announced runners up for the North East region.

The International Trade Awards, sponsored by HSBC are the only UK awards to exclusively recognise the successes of those who trade overseas. North East Winners Kilfrost will now go forward to the UK final to be held at the House of Lords in March 2010 where 11 other finalists will join them to go head to head to win one of three national awards: The Small to Medium Sized Business Award, sponsored by Avanta; Excellence in Innovation and the Overall International Trade Company of the Year.

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 2009 REGIONAL WINNERS

NORTH EAST Winner: Kilfrost Group Plc, Newcastle upon Tyne

Runner up: Wessington Cyrogenics Ltd, Tyne & Wear

NORTH WEST Winner: Leighs Paints, Bolton

Runner up: R S Clare & Co Ltd, Liverpool

YORKSHIRE & HUMBER Winner: Shand Engineering Ltd, Grimsby

Runner up: NISA, Grimsby

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, Manchester

SCOTLAND University of Glasgow, Sch 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

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'.