The winners of the 2026 International Trade Awards (ITAs) have been announced this afternoon (23 June) at a reception in the House of Lords.
The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade has been running the awards for four years to celebrate the achievements of businesses and professionals empowering UK trade.
This year’s winners were praised by the Chartered Institute’s director general, Marco Forgione, for showing that innovation in trade remains “a driving force for economic growth”.
“The political instability and economic uncertainty of the last ten years have been challenging for businesses and trade professionals alike, but this year’s award winners show that international trade can still be a driving force for economic growth for the UK.
“Congratulations to all of the seven winners – their achievements are an inspiration to everyone working in international trade”.
The ‘magnificent seven’
The seven awards winners were:
- Abu Dhabi Customs - TradeChain – winner in the Border Innovation category
- Trade Harmonizer – Excellence in Customs
- The Village Bakery Wrexham – Food & Drink Trader of the Year
- John Pipe International – Manufacturing - Trade Impact
- VHR – MSME-Business of the Year
- Jane Cullen, Jointine Products (Lincoln) Ltd – Rising Talent in Trade
- HMM (Europe) Limited – Sustainable Trade
The winners were selected by a panel of senior policymakers, business leaders and academics from across the UK’s international trade sector.
'High accolade'
Expressing his surprise at the win, The Village Bakery Wrexham's commercial controller, Glen Marriott said "it's lovely to be honoured by the Chartered Institute, and gratification for what we've achieved over the past twelve months, with the overseas business we've picked up".
John Pipe International's managing director Nathan Kennedy said that in the company's 65-year trading history it had never received "such a high accolade" and appreciated the "recognition for all that the company had done" in that time.
This year's Rising Talent in International Trade, Jane Cullen, said she was "shocked" but "delighted" to win, praising her peers in the same category, and thanking the colleagues that have supported her.
Showcase event
The awards reception at the House of Lords was attended by the shortlisted entrants, judges and invited senior dignitaries from British industry.
Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant and Lord Khan of Burnley gave keynote addresses at the event, congratulating the winners on their achievements and thanking the Chartered Institute for its role in championing UK trade.
"We should celebrate this far more", said Bryant of the ITAs.
"Everyone needs to think about exporting. You will grow more in time and remain a more stable business."
Forgione concluded the event by highlighting further significant events being hosted by the Chartered Institute this autumn, including its set-piece ‘Empowering Global Trade Conference’ on 17 November at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London.
