Export

This award acknowledges companies that have not just entered but have demonstrably thrived in export markets. We’re looking for outstanding export strategies that highlight adaptability to diverse international standards and client needs, commercial resilience in navigating new territories, and significant, sustainable growth in markets beyond the island of Ireland. It celebrates those who fly the flag for Irish metalwork excellence internationally.

Extra Mile Award

Who Should Nominate

Any company, regardless of size, with a compelling and proven success story in developing, implementing, and significantly expanding their export markets for metal fabrication products, specialised services, or integrated steel solutions.

Eligibility

Your work on the export initiative and the resulting growth or market penetration must have been actively demonstrated or significantly progressed between 1st July 2023 and 30th June 2025. Metal fabrication, engineering, or closely related steel services must be retained as a core part of the nominated business. The entry must clearly showcase industry-leading products, services, or strategic approaches that have delivered a tangible positive impact on the company’s international reputation, bottom line, and have contributed to sustainable export growth. Evidence of thorough market research, adaptation of offerings, and overcoming international trade challenges will be looked upon favourably.

What Judges Look For

Innovation and Excellence (in export strategy, product adaptation, market entry); Collaboration (with international partners, distributors, clients); Effective Planning (market research, logistics, financial planning); Strong Teamwork (across sales, production, logistics to support export efforts); Training and upskilling (to meet international demands); Good management (of export operations and risks); Positive Client Impact (in overseas markets); Sustainability Performance (in terms of long-term market viability).

Submission Requirements

Nomination Type
Business Name
Initiative Title (e.g., “Expanding into the [Region/Country] Market” or “[Product Line] Export Growth Strategy”)
Primary Export Markets Targeted
Initiative Contributors: Details of key personnel (e.g., Export Manager, Sales Team Leads), internal departments involved (e.g., production, logistics), and any crucial external partners (e.g., trade advisors, international distributors).
Initiative Summary (max 50 words)
Full Initiative Description (max 1,000 words): Tell us the story of the project. Include details such as describing the export strategy, target markets, product/service adaptations made, challenges overcome (e.g., regulatory, cultural, logistical), how the team collaborated, and the results achieved (e.g., % growth, new contracts, market share).
Why Should It Win? – Focus on strategic success, resilience, and tangible growth.
Supporting Images (Up to 5 max, if appropriate, e.g., products in international settings, team photos, graphs showing export growth – ensure data is anonymised if sensitive).
Company Logo (PNG)
Optional: Client testimonials from overseas, articles featuring export success.
Your Contact Details

Other Extra Mile Awards

Extra Mile

Innovation

This award proudly celebrates clever and impactful innovations – whether in products, processes, market strategies, or technological adoption – that have driven significant, measurable business value and clearly demonstrate forward-thinking leadership within the Irish metalworking sector. It’s about more than just a new idea; it’s about successfully implementing change that solves problems, enhances efficiency, or opens new opportunities.

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Health, Safety & Well-being

Exceptional commitment to health, safety, and employee wellbeing

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Extra Mile

Energy & Sustainability

This award honours companies that have made outstanding, measurable efforts to improve their overall environmental performance and significantly enhance sustainability within their operations, products, and wider influence. This includes tangible efficiency gains in the use of raw materials, energy, or water; the successful adoption of cleaner technologies; development of demonstrably greener products or processes; improved waste management and recycling rates; or significant contributions to national/global sustainability targets such as Net Zero emissions or increased renewable energy usage.

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