BRIEFING

THE UK’S MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES T

EN REGIONAL winners of UK Trade & Investment’s

fi rst Exporting for Growth Prize have been announced. The initiative, which was

launched in November 2011, aimed to encourage UK businesses to develop a new export idea that could be converted into a successful international opportunity. At a series of regional events, 10 fi nalists pitched their ideas to a panel of business experts. The winning companies will receive a package of support from UK Trade & Investment and sponsors HSBC and PwC, including funding to visit overseas markets and the use of UK Trade & Investment services to help develop an international business strategy. Speaking at the announcement of the successful companies, Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment, said: “The calibre of fi rms that have presented their ideas has been exceptional. I hope that the event will encourage others to spread their wings and benefi t from international trade, particularly in our Olympic year when the entire world will be watching the UK. We are determined to attract a further 100,000 SMEs into exporting across the UK, as research has shown that those who do increase growth and effi ciency.”

NEXT STEPS

To fi nd out more about the winners of the Exporting for Growth Prize, visit www.ukti.gov.uk

fastfacts

LONDON WAS THE FASTEST- GROWING REGION FOR UK EXPORTS IN 2011

06 | springboard | www.ukti.gov.uk

EXPORTING FOR GROWTH PRIZE REGIONAL WINNERS: • SOUTH EAST: Avtura provides software management solutions and consultancy for airport ground-handling operations

• LONDON: Pavegen is developing technological solutions to convert kinetic energy from footsteps into renewable electricity

• NORTH EAST: Profi le Analysis (i-snapshot) has created an app and SMS-based sales-reporting software

• SCOTLAND: GamesAnalytics is a specialist monetisation company that helps publishers maximise a game’s revenue growth

• YORKSHIRE & HUMBER: Doll Hair Care has created a range of innovative, patented hair-styling products

• NORTH WEST: SwimFin’s buoyancy aid helps children adopt a natural position in the water as they learn to swim

• SOUTH WEST: nu desine has created a new electronic musical instrument, AlphaSphere, and has expertise in music technology, software development, electronic design and hardware design engineering

• WEST MIDLANDS: Aceon Battery Solar Technology has developed the world’s fi rst four-pin socket solar-powered docking station

• EASTERN: James White produces a range of high-quality fruit juices

• EAST MIDLANDS: ViVO Smart Medical Devices is the inventor of Pupiloscope, a product to help doctors diagnose life- threatening head injuries