Firms to chase export trophy

11:10am Wednesday 29th March 2006

Two companies one from Swindon and the other from Cirencester are in the running for a trophy at the UK Trade and Investment export awards evening tomorrow.

They are Swindon's Monofloor Technology Ltd, and Audiosoft, of Cirencester.

They are up against four firms from Bath, Bournemouth, Plymouth and Bridgwater and they are all chasing the title of South West New Exporter Of The Year.

In line with the other companies they will be celebrating the success of the Passport To Export scheme, which has helped hundreds of south west businesses get on the exports ladder.

The awards will be presented by Brian Kemp, the chairman of the South West International Business Forum.

Stephen Phillips, UKTI's South West International Trade Director, said: "Passport To Export helps new and inexperienced exporters gain access to global markets.

"It is a practical programme providing training, planning advice and ongoing support to businesses wanting to develop overseas trade.

"UKTI South West currently has about 500 companies on the Passport To Export programme.

"This awards dinner has been organised to reward and recognise recent graduates from the programme who have been particularly successful in accessing overseas markets and whose international trade strategy has translated into increased international sales."

Top world music performers will add an international flavour to the evening.

Musicians from WOMAD World of Music, Arts And Dance the organisers of some of the top world music festivals, will be performing at the event which is at Tortworth Court, Wootton-under-Edge.

WOMAD began life in Bristol in 1982 as a small-scale operation and is an example of how even the smallest companies can take advantage of international opportunities to expand.

Now based in Wiltshire, the core staff of 14 is supplemented by a temporary work-force of 180 for the WOMAD festival in Reading and, with partners all over the world, now presents up to 10 annual festivals world-wide.

As well as a commemorative certificate, the winners will receive a hand-cut crystal bowl produced by Somerset Passport to Export company OPB Crystal.

The winner and five runners-up will each receive a hamper of West Country food and drink.