Insider Media Limited

The value of goods exported from the East Midlands in the final quarter of 2010 exceeded £4.1bn. That’s according to analysis of HMRC data by NatWest and RBS, which revealed exports rose almost 14 per cent over the period.

Over the 12-week period, the value of exports in the region rose 13.7 per cent.

David Houghton, director of global strategic partnerships and global transaction services at NatWest and RBS said: “Companies of all sizes in the UK are realising the growth opportunities that international trade presents. There are many success stories of businesses that have shown entrepreneurial flair and been able to capitalise on this in the global marketplace.”

NatWest and RBS are lead sponsors of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Chamber Awards 2011, at which they have introduced a new category called “Finding New International Markets”.

This award has been set up to recognise British businesses that are “leading the way in developing international trade and have demonstrated commitment to pursuing international expansion”, said the banking partners.

Winners from the 11 UK regions - which include the East Midlands - will go through to the national finals where they could pick up the overall award in their category and be invited to join an RBS-BCC trade mission to a global destination of their choice.

The regional winners will be announced in September, followed by the national awards ceremony in London on 24 November.