IF exporting is a tough enterprise right now, then few come tougher than Roland Hudson.

Since he and his wife Evelyn started Interpower International Ltd at New Road, Kirkbymoorside in 1984, designing and manufacturing generators, their products have made their way to 70 different countries between China and the Caribbean.

So, naturally, he has entered the export category of our Evening Press Business Awards 2000 on behalf of himself and his 27 staff.

Yes, of course Mr Hudson has been hit by the rising value of sterling.

And of course he was knocked for six by the major drop in trade in the Pacific rim nations like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan and China.

Where at first his business was 95 per cent export with a growth of 35 per cent per annum, these factors shrunk the proportion of exports to 55 per cent.

But recovery has seen the figure climb back to 70 per cent. and he has learned valuable lessons.

He says: "Our problem in general has not been our ability to sell our product, but production capacity, although it would be naive to say that we have never had a shortage of work at times like the collapse of Indonesia.

"Where we have benefited, however, is from a wide market spread and our continued aim is to increase our distributor network by four to five countries per year so that the loss of one market for political or financial reasons does not have a major effect on the company."

When it comes to exporting Mr Hudson is an unashamed evangelist, taking advantage of every good opportunity to encourage others to do the same, while never forgetting the home market as well.

His generators are used in hundreds of applications including emergency back-up for Prince Charles' Highgrove residence, a back-up system for Pakistan's atomic energy project and is one of only four suppliers in the world supporting the Hong Kong Housing Authority with its hundreds of sky rise blocks.

He tells all those hesitating to put a daredevil toe into the exporting water: "Go for it. Export and don't look back. Don't worry about letters of credit, export documentation etc, as there are a lot of organisations out there to assist you if you ask.

"Believe British is best, because it is - and a lot of countries around the world know that and are wanting to buy from Britain."