Blackburn-based Vision Support Services – a leading global textile company that manufactures performance and luxury textiles for the hospitality, healthcare and retail markets – has been named Exporter of the Year at the prestigious Lloyds Bank National Business Awards.

The award recognises successful British businesses that have achieved the highest and most sustainable levels of international growth through exporting over the last 18 months. It focuses on all aspects of exporting and rewards sustainable exporting models and innovative practices.

The company has tackled its overseas expansion and won international recognition with the likes of Marriott, Hilton, Accor, Jumeirah, IHG and numerous other hospitality brands.

Only last year the company opened a brand new sales office in China whilst this year, senior management have concentrated their efforts on recruiting talented people to join the ever-growing teams in order to invest and grow nominations  from across the world.

The company also attributes its success to concentrated efforts on ethical sourcing, fair dealing and commitment to managing the impact of its activities on the environment. The company only purchases products from manufacturers who are actively working to improve the environment using sustainable, recycled or recyclable materials and minimising the amount of waste, packaging and energy used.

Vision Support Services Managing Director Laurie Thomas said: “I’m very proud of what we have achieved. We deal in over 65 different countries, we have very capable skilled people employed all around the world, and we want to use this award now to springboard with the big major hospitality brands and get some more penetration around the world in those markets. This award will help everyone feel proud in the business.”

Ed Thurman, Lloyds Banking Group managing director, head of global transaction banking, and National Business Awards judge, said: “Finding opportunities to export can seem daunting, but these awards demonstrate that, with the right focus and support, there are numerous opportunities for UK businesses to diversify into international markets.”

Attended by over 1,200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and journalists in celebration of the Best of British Ambition, the 17th National Business Awards (organised by UBM) were held on 13 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London and presented by BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty and received a keynote speech from national treasure Joanna Lumley.