CANBERRA Business Chamber CEO Robyn Hendry says businesses that took home an award at last night’s ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards achieved outstanding growth in international markets in the past year and are expected to shine at the upcoming national awards.

“ACT companies have very successfully looked globally for markets for their products and services,” Robyn said.

“For some, a focus on international trade has seen them increase their export revenue by very significant amounts.

“Exports are important as they help local companies expand and employ. Our businesses trading overseas play a role in ensuring we have a diverse, strong economy here in the ACT.

“Winners in the national categories will go on to compete at the Australian Export Awards in November.”

The following businesses took out the top award in the ACT categories:

• Exporting Government Solutions: Royal Australian Mint
• Exporting to Asia: ONTHEGO Sports
• Capital District Exporter: Shaw Vineyards
• Emerging Exporter Category: Red Robot and Cogito Group

In the national categories the winners were:

• Agribusiness: Inland Trading
• Business Services: Noetic Group
• Creative Industries: WildBear
• Education and Training: iSimulate
• Health and Biotechnology: Aspen Medical
• Information and Communication Technology: DAMsmart
• Manufacturing: Frameskin
• Online Sales: mHITS
• Small Business: IE Asia Pacific

Winner of the major award of the night – ACT Exporter of the Year – was Aspen Medical, which recently led Australia’s response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Special mention went to iSimulate and WildBear.

“Congratulations to all our winners and good luck to everyone competing in the 2015 National Export Awards,” Ms Hendry said.