Two Cumbria businesses are celebrating after receiving recognition for their exporting at the Board of Trade Awards, held in Durham (28.02.19).
Supported by the Department for International Trade (DIT), the awards were held at Durham Castle to celebrate businesses from across the Northern Powerhouse that have displayed exceptional performance in international trade.
The Secretary of State for International Trade Dr Liam Fox MP presented Kendal-based Ross McMahon, CEO and Managing Director of Kendal Nutricare with a Board of Trade Award for his company’s exceptional performance in international trade. Barry Leahey, MBE, and the Managing Director of Cumbria-based Playdale, also collected an award, which stands as a globally recognised certificate of excellence.
Playdale is a manufacturer and supplier of children’s playground equipment which exports to 50 countries. Its export sales have topped £2million, accounting for 20% of the company’s turnover.
Kendal Nutricare is a manufacturer of family nutrition products. It exports to 31 provinces in China, the Middle East, across South East Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, and across Africa including the East, West and North.
The company has also secured an MOU with Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade Co. Ltd worth cumulatively £350million over the next ten years.
Both businesses are based in Cumbria and were selected by a panel of senior DIT leaders because of their contributions to international trade and positive impact on the North West economy.
In conjunction with the awards, Secretary of State Liam Fox was at Durham Castle to launch the national Export Champion Community.
Through this initiative, almost 1,000 businesses that have successfully entered overseas markets will encourage their fellow firms to start exporting, offering practical advice.
Launching the Export Champion Community at a reception for participant companies, International Trade Secretary and President of the Board of Trade Dr Liam Fox MP said:
“The Export Champion Community is an important initiative and its members will play a vital role in creating the culture of exporting that my international economic department is building in Britain.
“By raising the profile of exporters in this way, we will help to normalise exporting across the country, expanding horizons, removing barriers to market access and facilitating expansion here in the UK.
“Supported by a community of the UK’s leading exporters, I am confident that our businesses will continue to grow their exports in the months and years ahead.”
Commenting on the Board of Trade Award winners, Paul Stowers, Head of Regions, North West at DIT, said: “To see two businesses from Cumbria recognised for their exporting successes is extremely rewarding. Their success is testament to the high levels of overseas demand for the British brand, as well as the hard work both companies have put into securing such lucrative deals.
“Trading overseas does come with its challenges, including new legislation and legal requirements, but firms across the North West can access a host of support. Anyone thinking of starting to export, or keen to explore new markets, should get in touch with our team of International Trade Advisers now and see how they can become more profitable and resilient.”
