Enterprises get the chance to win backing for their export innovations

The initiative, run by UK Trade & Investment in partnership with HSBC and PwC, aims to encourage more regional businesses to pursue overseas growth by offering a tailored package of support to the company with the best new export idea.

The overall winner for Yorkshire and the Humber will receive travel grants to global destinations of their choice, an opportunity to develop contacts, build first-person relationships and kickstart expansion in markets where there is a clear demand for their skills, products or services. Also on offer is access to a range of international resources and research, and dedicated guidance from UKTI, PwC and HSBC.

SMEs now have until Friday, January 31, to submit their entry. Shortlisted companies will then be invited to present their big export idea to a live audience of business leaders and a judging panel, which will select the winning idea.

Mark Robson, UKTI International Trade Director for Yorkshire and Humber, said: “Future prosperity in this region will not come from domestic markets alone. Across the world there are markets that are showing strong, long-term growth, and we want to ensure local firms are not just trading abroad but thriving there.”

To download an entry form, visit www.ukti.gov.uk/exportingforgrowthprize