The search is on for the region's "experts in exports" as nominations are sought for the North East Exporters Awards 2008.
The awards, sponsored by UK Trade & Investment, One NorthEast and the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), 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.
Entries are now sought for the awards 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.
Lord Jones, said:
"I am absolutely delighted to have been invited to join this celebration of the North East's international success. Every year more than £10.5 billion worth of goods and services are exported from the North East.
"These awards aim to recognise the achievements of the many individuals, working in companies large and small across the region, who are helping 'sell' the North East around the world. Yet only a small percentage of the region's companies are involved in international trade.
"By highlighting their achievements, I hope we can also encourage others to follow their example - the North East has a lot to offer and UK Trade & Investment is here to help companies tap into overseas markets to help develop and grow their business."
David Coppock, UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Director, said:
"Once more we have joined forces with our key partners One NorthEast and the North East Chamber of Commerce to organise these awards to honour those working in regional companies who are successfully competing in international market places.
"Last year's awards programme was a huge success and we want to encourage as many companies and individuals as possible to come forward and tell us about their achievements in the global market."
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 http://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.
