THE North-East’s export champions were honoured last month at a gala dinner at the Gateshead Hilton where the winners of the North-East Exporters’ Awards 2010 were unveiled.

The awards, which have been running for 15 years, are sponsored by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), One North East, North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), the Regional Language Network and HSBC, and recognise the efforts of some individuals who have helped the region maintain a strong performance in international trade.

This year’s winners were: new exporter – Kevin Harkin, of Smith Electric Vehicles; export achievement – Stephen Treharne, of Prestige Seating; innovation in export – Albert Pattison, of Hart Biologicals; export communicator – Dave Ranson, of Global Manufacturing Supplies; and passport to export – Michelle Taylor, of Tallulah Love. Every one of them has shown real inspiration, innovation, motivation and dedication in their efforts to secure new business for their companies in markets around the globe and their success should be seen as an example to us all.

After what has been a difficult year with the economic downturn, there are now signs around the world that growth is picking up and North-East firms can benefit if they grasp the opportunities of trading overseas.

We know there are many more individuals and companies across the region who are playing their part in the region’s economic success and we hope the success of our winners will encourage and inspire others to follow in their footsteps while we at UKTI stand ready to help more businesses in the North-East to go and export.

We offer a wide range of services that can be tailor-made to suit a company’s individual needs ranging from Passport to Export and the Gateway to Global Growth initiatives to our Overseas Market Introduction Service.

We also organise a comprehensive programme of market visits to key markets around the world as well as local events.

And in September in particular, we will be holding a comprehensive programme of events and workshops to help novice and experienced exporters, as well companies already signed up to UKTI programmes, covering a wide range of topics.

■ David Coppock is North-East trade director for UK Trade and Investment.