Awards showcasing the Hunter and Central Coast's exporting success

“Hunter and Central Coast exporters really do have to think outside the square in order to successfully compete in the international marketplace,” said Hunter Export Centre Manager, Dean Irwin.

Mr Irwin said that taking a product or service from domestic markets to export is challenging. Sometimes this requires significant changes to systems including distribution, pricing, staffing, and marketing. He said small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 86% of Australian exporters. “In the Hunter and Central Coast regions it is the same, our regional SMEs are the engine room of exporting and are enhancing the long term potential of our economy,” he said. “The Hunter and Central Coast Export Awards recognise and celebrate the way local companies overcome obstacles and adapt in order to take the Hunter and Central Coast to the world.”

The awards are organised by the Hunter Export Centre and for the first time, the awards will be open to Central Coast exporters. A gala awards ceremony is to be held at the Hunter School of Performing Arts Theatre on May 22. The awards are a feature event of the 2009 Hunter and Central Coast Innovation Festival.

There are five awards up for grabs:
• Emerging Exporter Award;
• Small Exporter Award;
• Large Exporter Award;
• Upper Hunter Exporter Award; and
• All entrants will compete for the prestigious Newcastle Port Corporation Hunter and Central Coast Exporter of the Year Award.

Entries close on April 24.

Last year’s award winners included Tailor Made Fish Farms, Powerdown Australia, Dywidag Systems International (DSI), and Yarraman Estate. Tomago-based medical equipment company, Whiteley Corporation, took out top honours. Mr Irwin said those companies received an opportunity to showcase their business, recognise their staff and learn from others in the business. He encouraged other exporters to apply for this year’s awards.

Entrants can also elect to go through to the NSW Export Awards. Last year, a number of Hunter entrants won NSW awards. For entry forms call the Hunter Export Centre on 02 4908 7370 or visit www.hunterexporters.com.au

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