-The Wales International Trade Awards

The Wales International Trade Awards - the 'Oscars' of exporting and importing - are now entering their second year. And all they are waiting for is winners – and a company in this area will be one of them.

The awards – created by International Trade Today magazine and sponsored by HSBC -  the world’s local bank – reward those companies that can convince a panel of judges that they are successful international traders.

International Trade Today publisher Simon Campbell said: ‘We are aware of the effort that our readers put into their businesses and the huge contribution they make to the UK economy, but often we feel that international trade is a little unsung. So, apart from recognising the worth of our readers, these awards raise the profile of international trade and bring its importance to the attention of a much wider circle.

‘The judges of the 2008 International Trade Awards will be looking for overall excellence in terms of results, commitment and management strategy. They will also be taking into account other areas such as training, appreciation of cultural factors and market approach.

‘We have no doubt that within the region there are already, lying in wait as it were, some very worthy winners. We now look forward to receiving their nominations.’

Overall, there will be a total of 12 regional winners – one drawn from each of the nine UK Trade & Investment areas in England, and one each from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each winner will be featured in a forthcoming issue of International Trade Today throughout this year.

The winner for Wales will be invited to send representatives to a gala awards ceremony early in 2009 at which the overall UK winner for 2008, drawn from amongst regional winners, will be announced.

Companies may self-nominate or be nominated by an adviser - such as a UKTI International Trade Adviser, chamber of commerce or Business Link adviser, bank manager, accountant or solicitor. 

Entries must be submitted online at www.internationaltradeawards.co.uk from where full award details, closing dates and judging criteria can be viewed.

The closing date for the Wales International Trade Awards is 18 April.