AN AWARD-winning literacy training company, is celebrating after being named as one of the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Northern Powerhouse Export Champions for 2019.

Claire Preston, chief executive of Middlesbrough-based Sound Training, attended a prestigious trade event at Durham Castle joining, amongst others, the Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for International Trade and Baroness Fairhead CBE, the Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion at the Department for International Trade.

The firm was nominated for its continued export success to America and the Middle East. It was also recently recognised at the North East FSB Awards as one of four businesses shortlisted for International Business of the Year, and as Teesside Company of the Year at the North East Business Awards

Sound Training is an international company, based in the heart of Tees Valley. Its literacy programme, Lexonik, has been delivered to more than 60,000 students aged 10 and above, including adults.

It began work with DIT on a plan for international trade five years ago, and in that time has expanded to include schools worldwide.

Ms Preston said: “It is an honour to be recognised as a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion by DIT and to have our successes in international trade recognised at such a high level.

“We have a great deal of respect for DIT, and our local advisor has been instrumental in supporting our development into the USA, the Middle East, and more recently taking initial steps into Europe.”