Abingdon-based business development consultancy Intralink Ltd is among the 2024 winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards announced recently.
Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the international sales success of small-medium businesses across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity.
The awards come after new figures from the UN’s body that leads on global trade show the UK was the 4th largest exporter of goods and services globally in 2022, moving up from 7th in the rankings in 2021.
Recognised in the Consultancy and Professional Services category, Intralink Ltd, with registered offices in Abingdon, stands at the forefront of international business development, particularly in Asia, Europe and North America.
With a mission to bridge the gap between markets, Intralink’s strategic acumen has enabled over 1,500 companies to secure deals worth approximately £600 million, fostering global collaboration and innovation. The company, which currently exports to 23 countries, saw a 149% increase in overseas trade from 2019 to 2023.
Intralink has recently been selected by Indian semiconductor company Incore to deliver its China expansion programme, and it is also facilitating Evalueserve’s (Swiss IP services company) and a Canadian life sciences firm’s entry into Japan.
In addition, Intralink is orchestrating trade missions to South Korea for Estonian tech pioneers through the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and aiding the Canadian Government in helping 30 of its cleantech and life sciences enterprises to start commercial discussions in the country.
Minister for Exports Lord Offord, said: “We’re proud of our British exporters, and these Awards highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products and services around the world.
“I hope the winners serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder and encourage more businesses to showcase the incredible talent and innovation of UK businesses selling abroad.”
Commenting on Intralink Ltd’s win, Greg Sutch, CEO, said: “There’s a keen, growing appetite for cross-border business development, which has enabled us to export our services to more companies and governments around the world. As a next step, we’re planning to offer our services to clients in new locations in Asia and the Middle East.
“We have ambitious plans to double our business over the next five years, with most of this growth coming from service exports. The award helps to mark our progress along that road in supporting more and more international clients in developing their business overseas.”
The winning businesses have been drawn from a diverse range of 12 sectors across 10 categories: Agriculture, Food & Drink; Creative Industries; Education & EdTech; Financial Services and FinTech; Retail & Consumer Goods; Consultancy & Professional Services; Healthcare; Infrastructure & Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; and Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing & Construction.
The latter five categories have been introduced as new additions this year to ensure that businesses from all sectors can participate.
Within each category, three additional businesses were also awarded “highly commended” status for their inspiring business stories and exporting prowess.
Marco Forgione, Director General of The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) and panel judge, added: “Intralink, with its specialisation in Asia and a proven track record of facilitating international business growth, embodies the spirit of global trade success.
“With over three decades of experience and a portfolio of helping numerous companies secure significant deals, Intralink is a trusted partner for businesses looking to expand their presence overseas.
“Their vision of an interconnected, prosperous global society resonates deeply with the ethos of celebrating and supporting businesses in their exporting journeys.”
In 2021, DBT launched the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign to celebrate exporting success from across the UK and tell businesses’ stories. The 2024 awards programme builds on this to further recognise and celebrate the global trading success of SMEs from across the UK.
Winning businesses receive an invitation to an evening Parliamentary Reception and a year’s free membership with the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT). They will also win a digital badge, physical certificate and trophy and enjoy promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success.
