A Tyneside firm has scooped its second award of the year for its international trade success.

Gate 7, of Gateshead, a specialist component manufacturer for the automotive sector, was unveiled as the winner of the North East Business Awards Export category at a gala celebration at Sedgefield’s Hardwick Hall earlier this month (May).

The prestigious awards are run by The Journal, in Newcastle and its Teesside sister paper the Evening Gazette and the Export category is sponsored by UK Trade & Investment.

Gate 7’s success comes just weeks after it was named as Export Business of the Year 2006 in the North East Chamber of Commerce Awards. The company also gained a prestigious Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2005.

The company already exports around 90 per cent of its products to the USA and Europe but was keen to explore new markets in Japan and China.

With the help of UK Trade & Investment and Regional Specialist International Trade Adviser for the Automotive Sector Iain Cunningham, the company visited both countries to investigate best practice techniques and build contacts with potential customers.

Now the company it has secured new business with a value in excess of $1 million.

Keith Wickham, Managing Director of Gate 7, said of the company’s latest award success:

“Being recognised as the winner of the Export category of the North East Business Awards is of great significance and the prestigious backing of UK Trade & Investment combines to make this award truly special.

“Gate 7 has benefited over several years from help and encouragement from UK Trade & Investment and without doubt this help has been a contributory factor to the continuing growth of the business and the increase in manufacturing staff.

“As well as practical help and advice with existing markets, UK Trade & Investment has had the foresight to encourage, in a practical sense, Gate 7 staff to look further afield to Japan and China for business growth. Best practice visits to Japan have not only allowed Gate 7 to benefit from Lean Manufacturing Techniques but such visits have led to a major Japanese manufacturer formally appointing the company as a global supplier. This is expected to have a huge effect on the business.

“It is significant that the UK Trade & Investment staff are regular visitors to Gate 7 and show a genuine interest in the development of the company. Iain Cunningham, our International Trade Adviser, has a real understanding of what Gate 7 is trying to achieve and the company has also had first hand advice from the International Trade Director David Coppock and deputy Director Ross Cordiner. 

“Exporting Britain’s manufactured goods deserves a leading position on any business agenda and the skills and understanding of the UK Trade & Investment team are a truly supportive help to the aspirations of any exporter.”

David Coppock, UK Trade & Investment’s International Trade Director, said: 

“Gate 7 operates in a highly competitive market and has already succeeded in placing itself at the top end of the off road industrial vehicle industry.

“They have proved there are opportunities available and that with the right kind of support North East businesses can compete on an international stage. They are truly worthy winners of the Export award.”

For more information about the range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk