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SMA Worldwide, which manufactures and distributes small domestic appliances under the brand SMART, has been named as a finalist in the QBE New Exporter of the Year category of the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards UK 2016.
Now in its 15th year, the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards programme recognises and rewards excellence in organisations across all sectors in the UK, from large private and public companies through to thriving entrepreneurial businesses, promising start-ups and established SMEs.
The QBE Insurance New Exporter of the Year Award, in association with ‘Exporting is GREAT’, is open to any UK-based enterprise who has started exporting in the last 18 months or less and is achieving export growth or an increase in revenues from overseas operations.
The Award focuses on all aspects of exporting and is looking for sustainable exporting models and innovative practices.
Based in Hertfordshire, SMA Worldwide is a family-run business. In 2012/13, SMA created the SMART brand which it describes as ‘a prestigious retro and modern small domestic appliance range of products’. It manufactures and distributes popcorn makers, sugar-free candy floss makers and chocolate fountains. The company also produces its own patented Lazy Susan, 360-degree rotating stone baked pizza maker, fondue sets and popcorn carts.
In the last 18 months, SMA & SMART’s international expansion has led to export deals to Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Netherland, Austria, The company is now discussing Russian and South American distribution contracts. SMA also owns its own international and national logistics arm to distribute SMART products within the UK and Internationally.
SMA chairman Dr Sam Attia said: “When I heard our company was a finalist in these prestigious awards, I immediately congratulated my team for their great work that has led to SMA and SMART being shortlisted. It is a testament to my team’s dedication and passion.
“This nomination is a true honour and will strengthen our brand, along with boosting our international and UK clients’ trust in our products and services. This will help to inspire and drive our team to expand and develop even further over the coming years, and increase our work with the UKTI [UK Trade and Investment] and the ‘Exporting is Great’ campaign.”
Tom Broughton, group brand director of the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards 2016, commented: “Due to the high number of entries for this year’s awards, narrowing the entries down to 140 finalists was a difficult task. But through a thorough and comprehensive judging process, the selected finalists demonstrate exceptional quality and diversity across a range of business sectors within the UK.”
The awards ceremony will take place on November 15 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
SMA Worldwide chairman Dr Sam Attia
