Word from the Sponsors

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is one of the top three banks in Europe and consistently in the top ten globally. It is the largest UK corporate bank, with over one third of UK corporates now choosing to bank with us. As such, we are a major stakeholder in the locality and it is in our interest to see the business community grow and prosper.

Our association with the Dorset Business Awards, supporting the ‘RBS Exporter of the Year’ award is an important strategic decision for us. As a business we positively encourage local competitiveness and the achievement of excellence, which helps to demonstrate and acknowledge our commitment and presence in the county.

This presence is well supported by our highly trained teams in Bournemouth, who understand local issues and collectively offer many years of experience and advice across the region, as well as sector specialisms in healthcare and property, thus enabling our customers to meet their business ambitions. We also provide the support and expertise to allow our local customers to trade internationally, drawing upon the direct relations the bank has with more than 3,000 overseas banks and financial institutions. This enables local businesses to expand internationally, operating both efficiently and effectively within global markets whilst avoiding the common pitfalls of exporting and importing.

Description of the Award from sponsors

This award is given to the company which has shown a marked increase in its international exporting activity over the last 3 years. Applications should be supported by evidence of increased international business, together with a summary of the strategy that resulted in this successful growth.

Entry Criteria/Eligibility

The RBS Exporter of the Year award is open to any Dorset business with a turnover of £1m upwards, including multi-nationals or their subsidiaries with a major presence in the county, to small private companies. They must have been trading for at least three years and have a record of international trade during that period.

• Commitment to International Trade.

• Increased export turnover.

• Sales into new markets.

• Innovative product/services being exported.

• Evidence of versatility, imagination and persistence.

• Training staff in winning and delivering export business.

Application Process

On-line (see right) or paper based applications are acceptable.

For paper based entries you'll need to download and complete:

  Exporter of the Year Entry Form (PDF, 109kb)

This along with any supporting documentation for online entries should be clearly marked and sent to:

Martin Cox
The Royal Bank of Scotland
2nd Floor
Heron House
10 Christchurch Road
Bournemouth
BH1 3NR

Is there any supporting documentation required if so what?

Supporting evidence of increased international business is required. This may be confirmation of orders, financial summaries or report and accounts. We will also require a copy of the strategy/business plan that resulted in the increased business. These may be uploaded for online applications or clearly marked and posted.

For paper based entries this can be posted with the application form.

All information will be treated confidentially and only be circulated amongst the judges.

Entry Deadline

Closing date for Nominations is Monday 9th October 2006.

Judging will commence in October 2006. Shortlisted companies will be visited by the judges in November 2006.

Sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland

Martin Cox
RBS
Heron House
10 Christchurch Road
Bournemouth
BH1 3NR

Tel: 01202 444790
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rbs.co.uk/commercial