Hawkshead Relish has been shortlisted for a major North West award.
The firm, run by Mark and Maria Whitehead, has been nominated for the Export Award in the annual Made In The North West Awards 2024.
The Lakes District-based company employs 30 people and makes a wide range of award-winning relishes, chutneys and preserves.
Hawkshead Relish works closely with the Department for International Trade, frequently attending overseas trade missions to explore new markets.
Whilst the company’s main customer focus is within the UK, their International exports are growing steadily with the company trading with around a dozen countries around the world including Canada which has seen particular growth in recent years.
Since Brexit, the firm has found trade in the EU difficult and only now in 2024 is that trade starting to return, manufacturing and shipping an order for 30,000 bottles of Worcestershire sauce for the French market earlier this spring.
Having navigated the export process successfully themselves over a number of years the business also acts as an Export Champion for the DIT North West, showcasing to others the opportunities and benefits of exporting to new markets.
The Made in the Northwest Awards now in their 12th year are designed to recognise and celebrate the variety and excellence of the region’s manufacturing industries which are a pivotal sector in the North West economy, with the region’s manufacturers remaining among the most innovative and dynamic in the world.
Hawkshead Relish MD Jonathan Robb said: “We are so thrilled to have been shortlisted within this group, exports are very much a growing area for us, and it’s great to see that our hard work is returning results in Europe post-Brexit.”
Mrs Whitehead said: “It’s very exciting to have been shortlisted in this category, we feel very honoured and it’s a real credit to our whole team.”
Winners will be announced on May 23.
