Are you a UK based small or medium sized company (SME) with a big idea but need an opportunity to help make this a reality?
Applications are invited from innovative SMEs throughout the UK to enter a competition for a new prize, The Exporting for Growth Prize, which UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has launched for the most workable new export idea ready to be converted into a successful international opportunity. We are particularly interested to hear from first time or novice exporters.
The 12 possible winners throughout the UK will be innovative companies with the best exporting ideas which they can pitch successfully to a panel of business "experts".
To be considered for entry applicants must have an active UK trading address and be an SME according to the European Union definition.
The Competition Process – First Step Complete Application Form
To enter you will need to complete the national application form which UKTI will forward to our team in your nearest region. A key part of this will be to describe your idea in no more than 200 words; why you consider it is good and workable and the right time to take it to market. If eligible you will be invited to pitch the idea to a panel of business experts. A shortlist of those with the best proposals will then be invited to an event in their nearest region to present to a live audience of business leaders and a final judging panel for selection of the best regional idea. How to Enter provides more detail of the process which will be similar throughout the UK.
Prize package:
Winners will have access to an exciting and valuable range of support including expert business knowledge and insight from sponsor companies HSBC Bank plc and PwC both during the key stages of the competition and with more tailored initiatives focused on the company ambitions and markets of interest to help make the ideas a reality.
In addition UKTI will provide access to a range of free UKTI services. Runners up and shortlisted companies will also benefit from access to attractive UKTI service offers. More detail can be found in the Exporting for Growth Prize.
There won't be any losers:
All eligible companies will have access to professional mentoring support to develop their audition pitch, time with an international trade adviser and subject to eligibility and resource an opportunity to be considered for UKTI's award winning Passport to Export programme [with £1,000 of Business Development Credits] or Gateway to Global Growth programmes and other UKTI services.