Twelve exceptional small and medium-sized UK businesses have been recognised in this year’s ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ Awards, organised by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
Now in their third year, the awards celebrate the international success of British SMEs and their considerable contribution to economic growth through exporting goods. The 2025 winners reflect two major themes shaping global trade: sustainability and artificial intelligence.
Among the recipients are businesses transforming metal recycling, offshore wind, STEM education, and prosthetic design; proof that UK innovation remains a powerful export to the global stage. According to DBT, exporting supports a fifth of UK employment and can increase productivity by up to 21% for goods exporters.
Spotlight on Made in Britain Members
Three members of the growing Made in Britain community were recognised among this year’s winners and highly commended firms, demonstrating how home-grown manufacturers are scaling up through export excellence.
Jenolite UK Ltd, based in Bedfordshire, secured the Retail & Consumer Goods award for its globally recognised rust-removal and surface treatment products, now sold in over 50 countries. With £2.9M in export revenue, the company exemplifies how a heritage British brand can successfully evolve and expand in international markets.
Delta-Xero Distribution Ltd, a highly commended business in the Advanced Manufacturing & Construction category, is tackling environmental and operational efficiency with advanced fluid filtration systems, underscoring the potential of clean-tech exports.
Jesmonite, recognised in the Creative Industries category, continues to grow its international presence with its versatile eco-resins, popular in architecture, design and sculpture sectors worldwide.
These businesses not only embody the spirit of the Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards, but they are also proud standard-bearers of the Made in Britain mark, proving that trusted British manufacturing continues to thrive globally through innovation, sustainability and resilience.
Access the full list of nominees and winners at this year’s awards.
Driving exports through enhanced innovation
From Osbit’s offshore wind technology to Porotech’s AR and AI displays, the winners span 12 categories, including new areas such as Digital & Technology and Export Services. A standout talent at the ceremony was Avon Specialty Metals, winner in the Advanced Manufacturing & Construction category, which grew its international sales by 192% over three years through high-performance metal recycling.
Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said:
“The innovation and entrepreneurship shown by the businesses entering the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards demonstrate the best of British business.
“When small businesses export, the whole economy benefits. By celebrating the outstanding international trade achievements of UK SMEs, we hope to encourage more businesses to get on the exporting ladder and take the best of Britain to markets around the world.”
Recognition beyond trophies
Each winner receives a promotional package including professional photography, a working capital masterclass from Lloyds Bank, and a year’s membership with the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade. They also gain national exposure and opportunities to share their stories as role models for exporting success, much like the growing membership community of Made in Britain, which now stands at 2,180 members and growing.
Made in Britain CEO, John Pearce, said:
“Our members who’ve been recognised in these awards show that when British manufacturers combine quality, innovation and sustainability, the world takes notice. Exporting is not just for the biggest firms; SMEs with the right mindset and support can and should thrive internationally. These businesses are flying the flag for Britain’s future in global trade, and it’s an honour to see them recognised.”
Aligning with the bigger picture
The awards form part of the government’s broader push to grow the UK economy through dedicated exports. With the Modern Industrial Strategy, and net zero, digital, life sciences and advanced manufacturing highlighted as four of the eight key-growth sectors highlighted in the strategy, Made in Britain continues to support members navigating a complex but opportunity-rich global trade landscape.
This is especially important when you consider that almost half of UK consumers want to see more British-made products in shops. According to a YouGov poll of over 2,000 people in the UK, commissioned by Made in Britain, 44% said that clear ‘Made in Britain’ labelling would encourage them to buy British while one in five also said they would feel more encouraged to buy British if shops had fewer goods imported from other countries.
Learn more about how Made in Britain is supporting UK manufacturers like yours on a practical level.
By Made in Britain 1 month ago | Media coverage