15/12/2004
 MetalFX Technology has experienced overwhelming success at this year's International Business Awards.
The company went home with the winning trophy for Innovation in Export, as well as being Highly Commended in the Export of the Year (up to £5million) category, and Commended as the New Exporter of the Year.
ABOUT THE IBAs
The International Business Awards are organised annually by UK Trade and Investment and Export Times. The judges of the awards include the directors of the British Exporters Association, HSBC and DHL Express, as well as the Editors of Export Times and Overseas Trade Magazine.
The judges said of the MetalFX win:
"The MetalFX product has meant changing the whole approach to the printing of metallic colours.
"Brand owners often try and enliven their printed materials through the use of metallic colours. The market has been dominated by one major player, whose technology has remained the same since its appearance in the market.
"Market-changing Innovation"
"MetalFX saw an opportunity to develop a product that offered customers an exciting alternative, but still remained an economical option. The company developed a way of producing thousands of metallic colours at once through an original concept.
"The innovation was market-changing. A significant challenge, having made the breakthrough, was marketing the invention globally. The way this was done was through the sale of licences. Printers were offered licences to use the technology and offer this as a service to their customers."
"A Blossoming Business"
"MetalFX's trading success was based on real innovation. And the innovation was not only a success but highly profitable. The result of the invention, and the skilful marketing, has been a blossoming business."
Other finalists on the night included BBC Worldwide, Lotus Cars Ltd., Nisa International and Superyacht UK.
BANKING ON METALFX
The International Business Awards are sponsored by HSBC, with the Head of International Business, James Madsen, sending a personal letter of salutation to MetalFX. He writes:
"Many congratulations, MetalFX, on winning the Innovation in Export award, and being highly commended in Corporate Exporter of the Year, and also for being commended in the Best New Exporter category of this year's International Business Awards.
"You have marked yourselves out as an outstanding example to other British businesses, large and small. Such accolades are won by hard work, skill and determination and I would like to congratulate all those who have contributed to making your business such a respected company in the UK and abroad."
AMAZE-INK!
Grant Collier, Marketing and Events Manager at Highbury Business (who oversee the awards), commented on the unprecedented achievement of MetalFX being included in the awards for three categories:
"The MetalFX entry is indisputable proof that a good product goes a long way. The MFX product is universal, adding value to any printers' offering worldwide. It overturns conventions and is taking on the global market leaders in a big way.
"To receive recognition in three categories is extraordinary. It is a credit to MetalFX and its staff to have achieved this status as the quality and volume of award entries this year far exceeded expectation."
A WORD FROM GYLES BRANDRETH
The awards featured a guest appearance from Mo Mowlan, and were presented by former Lord Commissioner of the Treasury and current television presenter, Gyles Brandreth:
"The winners at this year's IBAs all demonstrated an ability to offer their customers something unique or exceptional. In recognising these companies, the IBAs acknowledge their staunch efforts and compel them to continue taking the name of British ingenuity, creativity and excellence overseas.
"For some, global competition is too much competition, but for winners such as MetalFX, the global market place is an opportunity to sell truly creative products and concepts."
"Congratulations to MetalFX on taking home the 'Innovation In Export Award' at this year's event. May I wish you every success for the future."
OTHER NEWS
These awards follow hot on the heels of MetalFX's triumphant win of the Marketing Excellence title at this year's BPIF Awards, where their entry was deemed so impressive that the judges felt it unnecessary to shortlist any other company. MetalFX currently has distribution in 78 countries.
For more information, e-mail info@metal-fx.com.
(pictured left-right: Gyles Brandreth, MetalFX MD Andrew Ainge, DHL's Key Account Director Jonathan Simpson) |
