The export award is part of the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards, which are free to enter and provide many opportunities to win across ten categories.
 
EEF, the UK manufacturers' organisation, and DHL are launching the international trade award at a time when exports are increasingly important, not just to companies but to the growth of manufacturing and the economy overall.

 
EEF chief executive Terry Scuoler said: “The 'march of the makers' is underway and UK manufacturers are leading an exporting renaissance that is crucial to domestic growth and economic recovery. Companies are opening up new opportunities in emerging markets and our award will  recognise and celebrate their outstanding efforts and achievements."
 
Michael Andersen, DHL's UK vice president sales & marketing, said: "It's an exciting time for international trade as companies look to new markets and seize new opportunities. Export promotes faster company growth and improves resilience and profitability, so we are delighted to support the EEF Innovative Export Award and to applaud the business stars who are achieving excellence overseas. We hope that this inspires others to win business abroad."
 
The recent export survey by EEF and RBS reported export growth among 65% of companies in 2011, with 70% expecting further expansion in 2012.  Nine out of ten of the respondents were active in export markets and a fifth had experienced growth of more than 20% in the past 12 months. 50% of respondents expected exports to emerging economies to increase in 2012, with exports to China and India expected to increase by up to half within five years.
 
The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards will be judged in five UK regions across the UK. Regional winners will be announced in November at celebration events, sponsored by Santander Corporate Banking. The regional winners will then compete for the national awards at a prestigious ceremony in London in January 2013.
 
Other award categories recognise outstanding business performance in business growth; skills and people management; innovation, and environmental achievement.  They also celebrate the achievements of apprentices and young engineering students – saluting budding young manufacturing talent.