This year’s shortlist for the PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Export Awards 2018, in association with HSBC and hosted by BQ magazine, has been revealed.

Featuring a range of companies from across the North of England, a panel of judges from PD Ports, BQ, Chamber International and the Institute of Export will review the shortlist at the end of January and select the overall winners of each category as well as deciding on the PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Exporter of the Year.

Bryan Hoare, BQ commercial director, said: “We’ve been delighted with the level and quality of the entries for 2018 which just shows how much export growth potential there is across the Northern Powerhouse.

“With thanks to the teams at PD Ports and HSBC for their support, we know that this event will truly celebrate and inspire entrepreneurship by flying the flag for the Northern Powerhouse.”

PD Ports’ CEO Frans Calje, commented: “Now entering the second year of the PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Export Awards, it is fantastic to see the event grow in popularity, with an increased number of high quality entries.

"Export will continue to play a vital role in delivering the Northern Powerhouse and these awards aim to recognise the achievements of the North’s exporters and the wider supporting supply chain.”

HSBC’s head of trade for the North, Nick Missin, , said: “The diversity, tenacity and enthusiasm of the businesses which have entered says everything about the North's approach to the opportunities which are out there - the world wants our goods, services, skills and expertise. HSBC is a gateway to the world and we are committed to helping businesses and communities to thrive.”

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie dinner on 22 February 2018 at the Marriott hotel, Leeds.

The shortlisted companies are:

E-commerce exporter of the year
Quality Bearings Online
Red Herring Games
Vanacci
Vision Support Services

Emerging exporter of the year
A&C Associates
Brandon Medical
Cat Tech International
HITEK Electronic Materials
Solarglide

Export team of the year
JDR Cable Systems
Quality Bearings Online
Solarglide
Pecan Deluxe Candy Europe
Tees Components
Northern Monk Brew Co
Principle Healthcare International

High growth exporter of the year
Brandon Medical
Cat Tech International
ESCS
JDR Cable Systems
Marrose Abrasives
Tissuemed

Large exporter of the year
J&C Joel
Vision Support Services
JDR Cable Systems
The Big Word
Animalcare
EDM Ltd
Smylies

Small exporter of the year
Advanced Industrial Solutions
Brandon Medical
Business Doctors
Faith in Nature
King Cole
Pecan Deluxe Candy Europe
Weedfree on Track

Micro exporter of the year
A&C Associates
Big Little Toys
ESCS
James Love Legal
Levity CropScience
Quality Bearings Online
Tissuemed
Victvs

Most entrepreneurial exporter of the year
James Love Legal
The Big Word
Levity CropScience
North Brewing Co
Northern Monk Brew Co
Skignz

Scale-up exporter of the year
Quality Bearings Online
A&C Associates
Pecan Deluxe Candy Europe
Tees Components