UK SMEs called to apply for major government export awards
The Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards are returning for a second year, with the addition of five new categories and an expanded prize package to honour exceptional accomplishments in global trading.
The awards celebrate the international sales success of small-medium businesses across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity, with winners invited to apply for the prestigious King’s Award for International Trade.
Lord Offord of Garvel, Minister for Exports, underscored the significance of the awards in recognising the pivotal role these businesses play in the UK’s job creation and economic growth.
Lord Offord said: “The success of our inaugural awards showcases the incredible talent and innovation of UK businesses and proves how highly British goods and services are valued in overseas markets.
“I hope last year’s winners serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder and encourage more fantastic businesses to profile their international achievement in this year’s awards.”
Little Moons who received last year’s Agri, Food & Drink award is now calling on more businesses to seize the opportunity and apply.
Little Moons international general manager, Thomas Bayel said: “If you’re early on in your exporting journey, I encourage you to get support and leverage trade fairs and events like these. This year we grew our international business by more than 52% and have launched into three new international markets since the awards including Portugal, Germany and Hong Kong. We exported 55 million mochi in 2022 and expect to see that number grow by the end of 2023.”
Little Moons are the bright, colourful, bite-sized balls of artisan gelato wrapped in ‘mochi’ dough. They are now available in 30 countries including Australia, the Middle East and mainland Europe, with all products manufactured in London.
The returning sectors from 2022 include: Agriculture, Food & Drink; Creative Industries; Education & Edtech; Financial Services and Fintech; Retail & Consumer Goods. The new categories, which were identified by the Department for Business and Trade as necessary to ensure businesses of all sectors could enter, include Consultancy & Professional Services; Healthcare; Infrastructure & Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; and Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing & Construction.
Returning to judge the awards for a second year is Institute of Export and International Trade director general, Marco Forgione, who hopes the depth of talent and entrepreneurial spirit of last year’s businesses encourages even more companies to enter this year.
Institute of Export and International Trade director general, Marco Forgione said: “This competition is further proof that international trade is a force for good, and that British goods and services are hugely valued overseas. The Institute of Export & International Trade are proud partners of these awards and we will continue to work closely with DBT to champion the amazing work being undertaken by British businesses trading across the world.”
Alongside the King’s Award platform, winning businesses will receive an invitation to an evening Parliamentary Reception and receive a year’s free membership with the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT). They will also win a digital badge, physical certificate and trophy and enjoy promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success.
Information on how to enter including key dates can be found at great.gov.uk/campaign-site/2024-made-in-the-uk-awards/, with a deadline of Sunday 14th January 2024 to submit entries.
If you have any questions about the awards, you can contact DBT by emailing ukmarketing@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
