BEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMPANY IN STOCKPORT

 The Best International Trade Company award aims to recognise a business which is successfully trading internationally.

This award is sponsored by Leemic and director Nick Pendlebury commented; “Having attended the inaugural Stockport Business Awards last year and seeing first-hand, the quality and diversity of the Stockport business community, Leemic are delighted to be a sponsor at this year’s event. The evening unites businesses that support, recognise and celebrate the success of locally based organisations and rewards those who contribute to the future success of the Stockport economy.

In these challenging economic times the need for securing business from further afield is of equal importance; the award for Best International Trade Company rewards and recognises the merits of businesses who successfully expand into the overseas arena.” 

The shortlisted businesses are; Grace Cole, ParkCloud and Frederic Robinsons.

Tracy Mort MBE set up Grace Cole Ltd in 2007 following her previous employer going into administration. The business offers bath and body products, cosmetics and beauty gifts. Initially setting up shop in Tracy’s kitchen the company has come a long way. Now situated in Cheadle, Grace Cole operates a global service in over 70 countries to leading perfumeries, pharmacies and department stores, producing high quality products in both seasonal gifts and everyday essentials. A steady growth in both turnover and profit has been achieved via a targeted strategy combining both UK and export markets. Grace Cole has a dedicated export team which has proven to be instrumental in the expansion into foreign markets. Building on existing relationships, as well as sourcing and maintaining new links has placed Grace Cole in a fantastic position.

ParkCloud is a leading online booking agency in the parking industry. In 5 years, ParkCloud has grown from 3 to more than 40 employees and turnover has grown each year too. The business was originally set up to target the UK market but within 3 months the owners were researching the viability of the business model outside of the UK. Now ParkCloud is all about international trade and its UK business was long ago dwarfed by its international revenue. ParkCloud’s main objective is to be the world’s premier online booking provider for parking in the next 3 years. They aim to achieve this through the continued employment of staff to develop new markets, in additional languages (the staff of ParkCloud currently speak 26 different languages), and the continued forging of strategic partnerships with airlines, cruise companies and train lines. The number of countries in which ParkCloud operates is already more than 30, covering virtually all of Europe, and beyond to Russia, Turkey, Brazil and South Africa; further expansion is planned.

Frederic Robinsons is one of the UK’s largest independent family brewers, with 340 pubs across the North West and Wales. 2013 is a very exciting time for them as they proudly celebrate 175 years of brewing excellence and heritage. Export has always been a key area of focus for Robinsons and has grown consistently year on year. This year export figures have increased dramatically, mainly due to the extremely successful Trooper range. Robinsons now supply to over 180 countries worldwide, and 20 of these are new export markets which have opened up this year due to Trooper. Robinson’s recent investment into a state of the art brew house, and the world’s largest Hopnik, has meant they have been able to brew, and export, many new and exciting types of ale affordably and profitably.

Winners of all 12 categories will be announced at the black tie dinner on 3^rd October. See www.stockportbusinessawards.co.uk for further details.

Stockport Business Awards is an event set up for businesses by businesses. It‘s organiser and main sponsor is accountancy practice Clarke Nicklin and headline sponsors are high profile businesses from the region; Gorvins Solicitors, Orbit Developments and NatWest.