Companies only have until the end of May to send in their nominations for the awards.
Sponsored by UK Trade & Investment, One NorthEast and the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), the awards recognise the efforts of individuals who have helped their companies boost its international sales performance.
The winners will be announced at a special gala dinner to be attended by Lord Digby Jones, Minister for Trade and Investment, at The Hilton, Gateshead on Thursday, 17 July when leading figures from the world of business will gather to celebrate the region's international trade success. The event is also sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and Emirates airline.
Television presenter Wendy Gibson will lead guests through the proceedings and former British Lion and rugby international, now writer and broadcaster Martin Bayfield will be the after dinner speaker.
Entries are sought in each of the five categories:
New Exporter Award -for the individual new to exporting who demonstrates exceptional achievement.
Export Award - for the individual who has shown outstanding achievement in international trade.
Innovation in Export Award - for the individual engaged in international trade who can demonstrate added value to their company through innovation.
Export Communicator Award - for the individual who can demonstrate how the application of his/her language skills has increased business performance in international trade.
Passport to Export Award - for an individual who has worked with an International Trade Adviser to develop an Export Action Plan that has resulted in commercial success in their target market.
The awards will go to those who, in the judges' opinion, achieved the most for their companies in pursuit of export business. Each of the winners will receive a special trophy and £1,000.
David Coppock, UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Director, said:
"We've already received dozens of entries for this year's awards but we're keen to ensure no one misses out on the chance to win and see their efforts recognised.
"Last year we topped the £11bn mark for the value of goods and services exported from the North East around the world, so we know there are many more companies out their competing successfully on the international stage and we want to hear from them."
For details of how to enter the awards or to purchase tickets, price £55 each or £500 per table, for the North East Exporters Dinner on Thursday, 17 July at The Hilton, Gateshead, contact the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or log onto www.exportersawards.co.uk.
Companies wanting to find out more about the range of services available through UK Trade & Investment to help them succeed overseas can also contact the hotline.
