York businesses in the running to make export ideas a reality (From York Press)

York businesses in the running to make export ideas a reality

5:37pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Business news By Julie Hayes, Business editor

TWO York businesses have been shortlisted in a competition to find Yorkshire and Humber’s best export idea.

The competition, launched last month by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), in partnership with HSBC and PwC, is offering travel grants business support to help pursue their plans.

Bowness & Bowness, which sells hand painted luxury wallpaper, designed under the Deborah Bowness brand, is one of 14 businesses, which will audition on Monday to make a final shortlist of ten.

The business, based in Riccall near York, is known for its trompe d’oeil designs depicting items that may be seen against the walls, such as book cases and picture frames. The business is looking to expand into international markets including Russia, China, Japan and Korea where wallpapering is back in vogue.

Industrial Textiles & Plastics Ltd, based in Easingwold, York, will also compete in the competition. The company produces protective engineered textiles and chemical resistant membranes for use in the construction, environmental protection, petrochemical, defence, marine and offshore industries and already exports more than 20 per cent of its products.

The overall winner will be announced in March after a final pitch in front of a live audience of business leaders and an expert judging panel at Harewood House.

Mark Robson, UKTI international trade director for Yorkshire and Humber, said they received more than 40 entries.

“The calibre of the submissions we’ve received has been hugely impressive, with a glut of truly innovative products, services and ideas that all deserve international recognition and success. It demonstrates once again that Yorkshire SMEs truly have the potential to stand out from the crowd in their respective markets," he said.