Heathrow is accelerating the next generation of UK exporters, today announcing the winners of its \u2018World of Opportunity\u2019 competition<\/p>\n
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Designed to help small businesses break into global export markets, twelve SMEs – one from each of the nations and regions – will receive \u00a32,000 alongside tailored support<\/p>\n
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As the UK\u2019s gateway to growth, Heathrow is backing homegrown businesses with the tools and connections needed to win new customers overseas<\/p>\n
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With expansion on the horizon, Heathrow\u2019s export capacity is set to increase significantly, creating further growth opportunities for businesses across the country<\/p>\n
Heathrow has revealed the twelve winners of its annual World of Opportunity (WOO) competition, showcasing the breadth of innovation and ambition that underpins Britain\u2019s export economy.<\/p>\n
Small and Medium\u2011Sized Enterprises (SMEs) from every corner of the UK were invited to pitch their brands and products. This year\u2019s winners include specialist engineers and manufacturers, artisan sweet-goods makers and wellness product creators. Their ingenuity set them apart, with the likes of CC Informatics\u2019 use of drones and artificial intelligence to monitor infrastructure and WUKA\u2019s pioneering menstrual products.<\/p>\n
Each winning business will receive:<\/p>\n
A one-off \u00a32,000 grantOne year\u2019s paid membership of the Federation of Small BusinessesMentoring sessions with senior leaders at HeathrowDedicated export coaching from the Department for Business & Trade<\/p>\n
Previous winners have used the support to fund trade missions, build export capability and grow overseas sales, supporting jobs across the UK.<\/p>\n
As the UK\u2019s largest port by value, handling nearly \u00a3300 billion worth of goods a year, Heathrow plays a vital role in connecting British businesses to the global economy. With over 230 destinations across 85 countries in reach via Heathrow, the World of Opportunity programme is designed to help SMEs tap into these markets and grow.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Heathrow\u2019s expansion will strengthen the UK\u2019s trading capacity, supporting supply chains, jobs and long\u2011term economic growth across the country.<\/p>\n
Heathrow\u2019s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Nigel Milton said:<\/p>\n
\u201cAcross the UK small businesses are creating world class products and services with real global potential. Helping more of them reach international markets is critical to driving growth and sustaining jobs here at home, that\u2019s why we couldn\u2019t be prouder to support the well-deserved winners. As the UK\u2019s hub airport and largest port by value – with plans to grow further with expansion – we\u2019re committed to helping ambitious British businesses scale up and succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations to the winners of this year\u2019s World of Opportunity competition. It\u2019s been inspiring to hear from so many ambitious small business exporters across the UK, and we\u2019re delighted to welcome this year\u2019s successful cohort as FSB\u2019s newest members. Trading overseas opens doors to new markets and customers, helping small firms grow and compete. We hope this competition encourages even more businesses to take the leap into exporting. We\u2019re proud to have partnered with Heathrow, the UK\u2019s largest airport and a global gateway for small businesses reaching customers around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Full List of Winners:<\/p>\n
East Midlands \u2013 Sweet Dough Things<\/a> Confectionary company selling Sweets and Baked treats<\/p>\n East of England \u2013 WUKA<\/a> Award Winning Period Proof Underwear and Swimwear<\/p>\n London \u2013 Ohemaa<\/a> Luxury Cosmetics Brand dedicated to crafting quality products that seamlessly blend heritage and innovation<\/p>\n North East \u2013 CC Informatics<\/a> Engineering discipline specialist, merging combined experience with UAVs, crawlers, and ROV data collection, with data processing, data science and machine learning.<\/p>\n North West \u2013 BeGenio Tech<\/a> Game-based learning platform\u00a0that focuses on mathematical skills through immersive games and specific outcomes<\/p>\n Northern Ireland \u2013 Rapha Organics<\/a> Wellness Brand<\/p>\n Scotland – PG Paper Company Ltd<\/a> \u00a0Creating markets and customising solutions to enable trade for paper and packaging products across the globe<\/p>\n South East of England \u2013\u2013 Southern Scientific<\/a> Specialist supplier of radiation detection equipment for the Nuclear, Medical, Security, Defence, Industrial & Research sectors<\/p>\n South West of England \u2013 Boost innovations<\/a> Boost produce breast forms for women who have undergone mastectomies or experienced breast cancer<\/p>\n Wales \u2013 Tumptonics<\/a> Producing naturally filtered, Welsh spring water from the Monmouthshire hills. Working with retailers, suppliers and customers who want quality, sustainable canned water<\/p>\n West Midlands \u2013 Onkarkitekt LTD A startup affiliated to the University of Wolverhampton focused on developing sustainable products by integrating algorithmic architectural design, CAD\/BIM services, and advanced research<\/p>\n Yorkshire & the Humber- eDub Services<\/a> Retrofit classic cars with electric engines<\/p>\n