SME of the Year Award

The SME of the Year Award will be presented to a company that has successfully exported or invested into the French or British market for the first time. In spite of the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic difficulties, companies remain committed to exploring the French and UK markets. Recent trade figures demonstrate green shoots and causes for optimism, both in terms of cross-Channel exports and investment.

This business will demonstrate a solid foundation, a strategic vision for international expansion and a commitment to exporting or investing in France or the UK.

The winning company will be able to highlight a high-quality product, service or idea that has exposed a substantial gap in the market within the past two to three years.

Criteria for the businesses:

• Turnover (less than £25m), employees (less than 250), and gross assets (less than £12.5m)
• The business must have been in operation for at least two years
• This must be their first time exporting or investing into the French or UK market

The term SME is deliberately broad to encourage applicants of different sizes from a variety of sectors. Small businesses, start-ups and scale-ups are all welcome to pitch for this Award.