Malta-based businesses which can demonstrate international success will be officially recognised by TradeMalta through the new Malta International Business Awards (MIBA).
Launched yesterday in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion Carmelo Abela, the MIBA will celebrate the success stories of enterprises selling innovative services and products internationally, thus contributing to economic growth.
The awards will raise the international profile of the nominated and winning enterprises and should create an aspiration among businesses planning to venture beyond our shores in the future.
The Malta International Business Awards will culminate in a ceremony, endorsed by the Prime Minister, on November 10.
Enterprises can already submit applications through the TradeMalta website (www.trademalta.org/events/malta-international-business-awards-2017) and the adjudication of submissions will follow a rigorous, transparent and professional process.
Shortlisted submissions will be identified by September and the nominated enterprises will do presentations to persuade a panel of judges that they deserve to be the holder of the award.
There are seven awards to be won on the night: Exporter of the Year - Small Business; Exporter of the Year – Medium Business; Exporter of the Year – Large Business, Exporter of the Year; Emerging Markets Business; Innovation Exporter of the Year; High Potential Exporter of the Year; and Overall Exporter of the Year 2017.
All shortlisted enterprises will receive structured feedback on their submission and the award winner will win financial assistance to be able to execute their plan, apart from being allowed to carry the MIBA logo on their collateral and correspondence.
The awards are open to all enterprises with a good internationalisation story to tell, be they exporters of products, providers of services, franchisors or international businesses with head office functions in Malta. Participants can make submissions for one or more award categories.
The deadline for submissions is July 31.
A brainchild of TradeMalta with the strategic support of HSBC Malta Commercial Banking, the initiative enjoys the endorsement of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the sponsorship of audit firm Grant Thornton, and the partnership of marketing and communications firm BPC International. Entries are now open.
“International business is complex, and requires strong leadership, serious planning and the commitment of human and capital resources. Many businesses learn, through first-hand experience, that they need to go back to the drawing board and redefine their offering before striking deals in international markets. Those who succeed, however, reap rewards on multiple fronts.
“The Malta International Business Awards recognise these businesses and celebrates their success,” said Mr David Curmi, chairman of TradeMalta Ltd.
HSBC Malta’s head of commercial banking Michel Cordina said: “These awards have our support as they lend recognition to exporters whose vision and hard work carries the flag of Malta beyond our shores.
“As such, MIBA complement our own initiatives to support international businesses, such as the Malta Trade for Growth Fund which has to date dedicated €125 million towards stimulating international trade.”
Minister Abela said: “The time has come for Malta-based enterprises’ export and overseas expansion efforts to receive the acknowledgement they deserve. These awards will increase the finalists’ visibility in both the Maltese and international markets. They will also prove valuable in these businesses’ marketing strategy while boosting employee motivation.”