Pictured: (l-r) Doug Tweddle, The Institute of Export; Keith Webb, Regional Director, Santander; Avni Sondagar, Marketing Manager, Zeeko; Niall McGee, Company Scientist, Zeeko; David Beswick, Senior Office Partner, Eversheds Birmingham

Ultra-precision polishing machine and measuring equipment manufacturer, Zeeko, has won the Midlands regional heat of the 2010/11 International Trade Awards, sponsored by Santander Corporate Banking in association with law firm, Eversheds. The prestigious awards recognise UK importers and exporters that have excelled over the past year, despite the challenges of the current global economic climate.

Following an unprecedented number of high quality applications, the judging panel, chaired by Phil Orford of the Forum of Private Business, confirmed that Coalville-based Zeeko, with some 98 per cent of revenue generated overseas, was the outstanding candidate for the Midlands.

Mr Orford, assisted by Martin Hodges, Head of Trade with Santander Corporate Banking, Howard Barrie, Partner at Eversheds, and David Solomons, Senior Partner at Creative Learning Consultants, selected Zeeko from what was an exceptional list of applicants.

"All the companies we have seen here deserve recognition," commented Avni Sondagar, Marketing Manager at Zeeko, on receiving the regional award. "We all represent the same thing - British values - and a desire to show that the UK can still export."

Keith Webb, Regional Director, West Midlands, presenting the award on behalf of Santander Corporate Banking, said "We have been absolutely delighted to sponsor these awards. The UK remains an extremely strong trading nation and it is beyond doubt that companies need both recognition and support to help grow their businesses internationally.

"The innovation, flexibility and sheer tenacity of UK business during difficult times has never ceased to amaze me and the calibre of the applicants reflects this."

David Beswick, Senior Office Partner at Eversheds, Birmingham commented; "As an international law firm with a strong local presence, we were keen to get involved in these awards because international trade forms a crucial part of our region's economy and is key in these challenging economic times.

"We have taken many major corporate clients into new jurisdictions and advise on global trade from our 44 offices around the world. These awards are an excellent showcase of local talent and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Santander to reward businesses who have excelled in this area.

"Despite turmoil in global markets and the credit crunch, excellent companies such as Zeeko continue to show the country, the media and our political masters that UK business and industry are still world-beaters in many fields. International Trade is delighted to have had the opportunity to reward and show off these great British companies."