Chamber honours international traders

The Newcomer to International Trade category was won by Fjelltopp, of Padiham, which was incorporated in February this year founded by a team comprising of World Health Organisation and UNICEF consultants.

Jonathan Berry, director said: “It’s been a hard but exciting year. We really believe in what we are doing and thank both our international partners and the International Trade Club for their support.”

The winner of the Outstanding Importer Achievement Award went to Performance Fluids of Nelson. The company's highly developed supply chain involves imports to the UK and US from Mexico, India and China along with Belgium to China and China to Brazil.

Chorley-based Hedges Direct, which imports more than 40 per cent of its products from Europe, mainly Holland and Italy, and its own branded tool range from China, was highly commended.

The launching of new e-commerce websites in Polish and German languages and currencies along with enhanced supply chain management has seen their bespoke sports supplements business increase substantially. Teaming up with the BBC to manufacture over 20,000 capsules to investigate the placebo effect also provided great exposure and credibility for building their brand.

Highly Commended in this category was Firesafe Fire Rated Ductwork, based in Haslingden.