TestPlant - Awarded the best new exporter at the London Export Awards 2010

Online, February 12, 2010 (Newswire.com) - TestPlant has won a major award at the London Export Awards 2010 held at the Piccadilly headquarters of BAFTA. As Best Newcomer, TestPlant's remarkable achievements in selling its unique software testing tool, "eggPlant" around the world were recognised by the august panel. The prize was presented by Vivek Ramachandran, Managing Director, Barclays Bank and Lord Davies of Abersoch the UK government's Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business and accepted by the company's Chief Executive George Mackintosh. The annual awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of the UK capital's exporters.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:
"I want to congratulate the winners of the London Export Awards 2010 - and all the companies who entered - on their international trade achievements. Their initiative underlines the role exporters have to play in maintaining the return to economic growth seen in the last quarter of 2009. I hope their success will encourage even more London businesses - of all sizes - to follow their example. "The importance of international trade to the regional and national economy cannot be overstated. Around one in four UK jobs are linked to overseas business, the percentage of turnover derived from exports by many London businesses exceeds 50%, and the capital's exports were worth an estimated £59bn in 2007."

Lord Davies, Minister for Trade, Investment and Small Business, said:
"I am incredibly proud of TestPlant and all the other companies that have taken part in this competition. They are shining examples of what can be achieved if you take your business international. They also demonstrate that the UK is strong across many sectors."Export is one of our most powerful weapons as we emerge from the worldwide recession. Exporting is great for business, generating new ideas, processes and products. And UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) can give businesses the best advice on how to access overseas markets."

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:
"Less than a century ago London was the world's market place with nearly every commodity passing through the city's docks and trading floors, generating great wealth for the capital and country. Now, more than ever, London's exporters are the key to driving us through this downturn and onwards to sustained economic prosperity.
"I am staggered by the quality of this year's entries which showcase the incredible talent and creativity we have in this city. This combined with inspired business knowledge is a sure recipe for success and gives me huge confidence that we are in a great position to exploit many more lucrative and emerging overseas markets."

Vivek Ramachandran, Head of Cash and Trade, Barclays Corporate said:
"The achievements of the exporters recognised through these awards are magnified by the incredibly challenging economic circumstances in which they have succeeded. They should be applauded and offer an example for other UK businesses to follow."The depth of nominees is testament to London's strength as an export centre."
The UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) organised awards, supported by the Mayor of London and sponsored by Barclays Bank, were open to London-based SMEs registered within any of London's 33 boroughs.

The awards judging panel consisted of respected UK entrepreneurs and business authorities. They included:
• Chris Blackhurst - Evening Standard City Editor
• Anthony Browne - Mayoral Policy Director for Economic Development
• Martin Broughton - Chairman of British Airways
• James Caan - investor, entrepreneur and television personality
• Sir Andrew Likierman - Dean of the London Business School
• Roger Mavity - CEO of the Conran Group
• Vivek Ramachandran - Head of Cash & Trade, Barclays Plc
• Susan Searle - Chief Executive Officer, Imperial Innovations

For further information on the awards and the finalists, please log on to: http://londonevents.ukti.gov.uk/awards/