Companies which have found success in export markets can now enter a brand new category in the Oxfordshire Business Awards.UKTI International Trader of the Year Award is sponsored by the Government organisation UK Trade and Investment and is aimed at companies which have successfully launched or expanded their export operations within the last year.

According to international trade adviser Angus Murray who will be judging the category, he will also be looking for companies which: o Demonstrated a detailed understanding of the markets in which they are operating.

o Can demonstrate an ability to exploit innovation or unique selling points for competitive advantage overseas.

o Have shown evidence of an ongoing commitment and versatility in exploiting new markets, including use of external advice and support.

o Can illustrate a clear, well researched and defined strategy and action plan in achieving export goals.

o Have evidence of their overseas sales and market share growth.

Mr Murray said: “We thought it was important that UK Trade and Investment champion local export success and we are particularly looking to attract innovative growth companies with strong success stories. Although the general economy prospects look gloomy, we are finding that businesses in Oxfordshire, particularly in the SME sector, are still experiencing growth.

“Those companies that have the right product are managing to diversify their customer bases and find new markets overseas, spreading their commercial risk and improving their chances of surviving and growing in an economic downturn.”

Awards chairman Paul Lowe welcomed the additional category and believes it will make the competition even more appealing to a wider range of organisations.

Meanwhile, entries are starting to flood in to organisers with more than 40 received to date. Mr Lowe is delighted by the response so far.

He said: “I am delighted to report the number of entries received this year appears to be significantly up on last year, probably by as much as 40 per cent.”