Member Article

Three Yorkshire businesses announced as HSBC regional finalists for potential £120k prize

HSBC has revealed three businesses from Yorkshire have been put forward to the next stage of Global Connections, a competition in which winners could receive up to £120,000 finance.

• Barnsley-based Naylor Industries manufactures building and construction products. It employs over 220 people at factories in South and West Yorkshire, Fife and the West Midlands, and generates a turnover in excess of £30 million.
• Calder Group: Dewsbury-based Calderdale Carpets designs and manufactures traditional and contemporary Axminster carpets and carpet tiles for the hospitality market, from wool and polyamide.
• Cellhire: With its global headquarters based in York, Cellhire is a mobile communications company that works with clients that primarily trade internationally and may require complex mobile communications solutions. The company operates globally and has offices in Japan, Russia, the US, France and Germany.

Now in its fourth year, Global Connections recognises businesses which are achieving “excellence” in three categories - innovation, international trade and mid-market growth.

The North and Scotland regional final will be held on June 18 at The Monastery, Manchester. Three winners of that regional final will then go on to compete in the national final, to be held in September, against 12 other firms from across the UK. Each of the finalists has also been invited to attend an Exchange trip in Istanbul, where they will meet like-minded businesses from around the UK and find out about international business development opportunities.

In addition, they can gain access to lending facilities up to £6m, linked to a financial reward of up to £120,000 based on 2% of their lending (doubled for the National winners).

The Global Connections competition is founded on the belief that expansion and success for UK businesses is likely to come to those that venture beyond their home territories and take their products and services into the growth markets of the future. David Beaty, HSBC North Regional Commercial Director, said: “We’ve been astounded by the quality and commitment of entrants to this initiative.

“The businesses that have taken part have demonstrated that the UK’s entrepreneurialism and innovative spirit are still thriving, despite challenges presented by the recent economic climate.

“More than ever UK businesses are talking to me about how international opportunities are critical to the future success of their businesses and at HSBC we’re proud to support them on their journey.”

“Our Global Connections initiative seeks to help UK businesses compete at the forefront of both domestic and international trade.

Not only can we help through providing funding, but also through introducing them to other entrepreneurial businesses both in the UK and around the world. It is a privilege to facilitate these connections and to help UK businesses achieve success.

“Trading across borders is not only critical for the future success of businesses in the North and Scotland but is also critical to the UK economy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .