The winner of the ‘SME of the Year’ category in this year’s International Trade Awards has called on fellow small businesses to be proactive and ambitious in their plans for international trade growth.
Ramsden International picked up the award at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade’s Import Export Show earlier this month.
The company’s CEO, Sean Ramsden MBE, told the Daily Update:
“I would always recommend entering these awards. Put your front foot forward, shout about your successes and be humble as well.”
Social emphasis
The judges commented on Ramsden International’s “strong emphasis on its social responsibilities”. The following commendation was given to the company:
“Ramsden International has a long and successful history in global markets, and it has recognised the importance of forming strong working relationships with partners, as well as the need to set up ‘hubs’ in key regions.
“The company also puts a strong emphasis on its social responsibilities, taking time to understand how the business impacts the societies and environments it is working within.”
Membership
Ramsden International is a member of the Chartered Institute and Ramsden said he “really values” this.
“We feel that the membership is very important, both for us as a company, but also for the number of individuals in our business that have membership,” he said.
“[The Chartered Institute’s role] is about giving voice, giving weight and representing the international trading community.”
‘Great show’
The International Trade Awards winners were announced at the Import Export Show on 3 December.
Ramsden said it was a “great show” that “hit the spot in terms of the content and the speakers”.
“It’s a must-do event… I'd 100% come back next year. As soon as the date's out, it'll go in my diary.”
The Import Export Show will return on 19 November 2025. You can already book your tickets for the conference here.
