Exporter of the Year competition launches

Application forms for the Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year awards are being circulated to all companies in manufacturing and tradeable services ahead of the prestigious ceremony in Belfast City Hall on June 5.

Organised by Invest NI, with sponsorship from flyBE and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), the Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year competition celebrates its 11th anniversary this year.

Northern Ireland companies are invited to enter the competition for the overall Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Award and awards in five other categories, including Innovative Products and Services.

Alan Hingston, Director of Trade at Invest NI, with Andrea Hayes of flyBE and NICCI Chief Executive Frank Hewitt, were on hand today to launch this year's awards.

Mr Hingston said: “The Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Awards is now firmly established as the most prestigious competition for companies doing business in markets outside Northern Ireland.

“The awards recognise excellence in international markets and will help Invest NI as it seeks, through its Principles for Business Support, to provide customised services that encourage and assist local companies to achieve sustainable growth through exporting,” he added.

Andrea Hayes of flyBE said: “As an international airline, we recognise the role that exports play in economic development. Our network and agreements with other airlines enable Northern Ireland companies to access key markets throughout Europe and further afield.”

The other new category, for export success in a New Market, will be awarded to a company deemed by the judging panel to have achieved significant business during the first year in a new overseas market.

The awards will be made on the basis of export performance over a three-year period to December 2002.

(GMcG)