Contact us now for all your importing and exporting questions at international@chamberelancs.co.uk / 01254 356454.
The International Trade Club (ITC) proudly held its prestigious annual awards ceremony on Thursday 5th December 2024, hosted at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel, to celebrate the achievements of a successful year in international business for many East Lancashire businesses and ITC members.
The event began with attendees trying their luck at life-sized games provided by The Fun Experts – think ‘Operation’, air hockey, basketball and table football – with one attendee commenting:
“The International Trade Club has helped us to make strides and create valuable connections for the business – but today, I’m concentrating on beating my colleague!”
The fun was followed by an inspiring and inward-thinking presentation from Sales Geek’s Darren Neil on ‘Putting People First’, which included testing our attendees’ emotional intelligence in both management and leadership.
This was followed by the announcing of the coveted International Trade Club Awards, highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of three incredible companies who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, growth, and commitment to international expansion.
The first award of the afternoon was presented to Dent Instrumentation Limited, a pioneering company that has been at the forefront of the textile industry for 40 years. Specialising in bespoke contactless yarn sensors, Dent Instrumentation exports 90% of its UK-manufactured products to increasingly demanding markets such as Germany, Italy, and Japan.
With a commitment to innovation and continuous research and development, the company is poised to lead the way in sensor technology for the years to come. The company was recognised for its dedication to combining past expertise with 21st-century advancements.
Graham Fox, Director at Dent Instrumentation, accepted the award, saying:
“We have a very strong, defined culture within our team, which has carried us through the hardships the textile industry has faced. This award is testament to that culture.”
Next, the Simply Doughnuts Limited team took home the second award. This Blackburn-based company has made remarkable strides in the Middle East, with an 18% increase in exports and a 15% rise in sales in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Not only is Simply Doughnuts revolutionising the food industry with a unique refrigerated doughnut recipe, but its Managing Director, Shiraz Master, was also awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding contributions to the food and drink industry, business, and philanthropy.
Mike Wilson, Chairman of Simply Doughnuts, accepted their award with the following comment:
“This award is really on behalf of Shiraz. He puts a hell of a lot of effort into the company, the team, and our growth, as well as the brilliant product development and new flavours you see on the shelves of huge supermarket names nationwide.”
The third and final award went to Pets Choice Limited in recognition of their excellence in import operations. The company has focused on reducing costs while enhancing quality by refining its international supply chain. By forming new partnerships and sourcing products from Portugal, Spain, India, and Colombia, the company has optimised its import processes, benefiting both its bottom line and the pet food industry.
The team accepted the award together with Robert Foy, International Trade Compliance Manager, stating:
“We’ve worked hard to create a more dynamic logistics team this year by integrating our buying and export teams together. Our success this year can be owed to this, with an increase in sales and an efficient new system.”
Reflecting on the awards, Mandy Lockett, International Business Director at the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We are so proud to honour these exceptional businesses, which are not only contributing to the local economy, but also making a significant impact on the global stage.
“Their determination, innovation, and success sets a remarkable example for others to follow, and we can’t wait to celebrate their successes yet to come in 2025.”
The event, sponsored by Forbes Solicitors and PM+M, concluded with a raffle of incredible prizes including a helicopter ride, hampers, overnight stays and even signed local football shirts. Finally, the team expressed a heartfelt thank you to all attendees, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a successful 2025 – leaving a little gift of ‘reindeer dust’ on every seat.
The Chamber’s main office will be closed between 4PM Monday 23rd December – 8AM Friday 03 January. The International Business Department will be available for urgent advice on certain days during this period. Access essential services and contact numbers to ensure seamless operations over the festive period.
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