HP Go Global Awards Launched 

HP has launched the HP Go Global Awards to recognise UK Small Medium Businesses (SMBs) aiming to turn their businesses into truly global enterprises.

The HP Go Global Awards will shine a light on some of the country’s most dynamic, innovative and expanding SMBs, recognising the achievements of those that have successfully entered the international export market and encouraging those looking to break into new territories.

The HP Go Global Awards build on the success of Enterprise Nation’s established Go Global series of inspirational events, workshops and international missions for UK SMBs, launched during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2014. The awards echo Go Global’s original principles – that small business owners should not shy away from international trade opportunities because of perceived language, currency, cultural and business barriers.

The total number of HP Go Global Award entrants will be whittled down to a six strong shortlist, with all six offered a complimentary place on Enterprise Nation’s upcoming 2015 trade mission to China, gaining access to one of the world’s biggest markets, as well as invaluable training and consultancy. Two overall winners will go on to receive an HP Go Global Award for ‘Best Breakthrough Exporter of the Year’ and ‘Next Breakthrough Exporter of the Year.’

In addition to their place on the mission to China, the two winners will receive:

• A selection of HP’s top of the range business products chosen to meet the winners’ specific business needs
• 12 months complimentary membership to techUK
• Access to a Business in the Community arc one day training workshop, such as “The Six Box Strategy”, “Recruiting and Developing a Team” and “Develop a Marketing and Communications Strategy”
• 4 mentoring sessions on commercial banking to help grow your business, with Richard Bearman, UK Director of Small Business, HSBC

A panel of expert judges will determine the six HP Go Global Award finalists to be invited to China, two of which will be presented with their HP Go Global Awards at an exclusive SMB event in London on 4th September.

Confirmed judges include:

• George Brasher, Vice President and General Manager, Printing & Personal Systems, HP UK & Ireland
• Susan Bowen, Chief of Staff, HP UK & Ireland
• Emma Jones, Founder of Enterprise Nation
• Lesley Batchelor OBE, Director General at Institute of Export
• Jane Pritchard, Enterprise Director, Business in the Community
• Paul Hide, Director of Operations at techUK
• Richard Bearman, UK Director of Small Business, HSBC

“The launch of the HP Go Global Awards represents HP’s continued commitment to promote the best achievements of the UK’s SMBs and to celebrate their innovation and significant contribution to the UK economy, “said George Brasher, Vice President and General Manager, Printing and Personal Systems, HP UK and Ireland.

“They build on the success of HP’s Smart Business Awards which recognise SMBs from across the UK, representing a diverse range of business types from past winners Versarien, who develop advanced engineering solutions to HelloFresh, who deliver perfectly portioned groceries and recipes to cook at home.”

HP’s wider SMB support includes its SMEngage programme which seeks to improve engagement with SMBs through education, mentoring, complementary programmes such as PartnerOne and operationally through the HP Small Business Office (SBO). The SBO works to connect with SMBs who provide innovative, niche, and local solutions to work with HP to deliver new solutions to clients. As a result, HP’s supply chain in the UK includes more than 650 of the UK’s SMBs.

Emma Jones, founder of small business network Enterprise Nation, said: "Small British businesses have an enormous opportunity to begin to and then increase trading with overseas countries, including China. This initiative recognises those that have made great strides in this arena, and encourages and enables others to do the same.

"We're delighted the HP Go Global Awards will again shine a spotlight on British global talent, and offer six complimentary places on our Go Global Mission to China in September."

To find out more and to enter the HP Go Global Awards, please visit www.HPGoGlobalAwards.com. The deadline for submissions is 15.00 on Friday 31st July 2015. Shortlisted entries will be announced on 14th August 2015.