TIME is running out for the region’s heroes of export to win recognition for their efforts as the deadline approaches for the North-East Exporters Awards 2009.

Companies and individuals have until Friday, May 29 to submit nominations for the awards, sponsored by UK Trade & Investment, One North East and the North-East Chamber of Commerce, which recognise the efforts of individuals who have helped their companies boost its international sales performance.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, to be held at the Hilton Hotel, in Gateshead, on Thursday, July 16, from 6.30pm, when leading figures from the world of business will gather to celebrate the region’s international trade success.

Serial entrepreneur BJ Cunningham aims to entertain and inspire guests as the afterdinner speaker while Dominic Jermey, head of UK Trade & Investment sector groups will be the key speaker.

There are five award categories – new exporter, export achievement award, innovation in export award, export communicator award and passport to export award. Each of the winners will receive a trophy and £1,000.

We have already had a great response and we are keen to encourage more entries. And we would love to welcome businesses and individuals who would like to join us to celebrate the region’s success in international trade.

For details of how to enter the awards, or to buy tickets for the gala dinner, contact the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845-05-05-054, email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk or companies can apply online by visiting uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/north_east