Business West's unique web platform that supports exporters has won the final of the ICC World Chambers Federation 2013 Competition for Best International Project.
The finals took place in Doha and were hosted by Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The ICC World Chambers Federation is the only forum open to the global community of more than 12,000 chambers of commerce. Business West was the only British Chamber of Commerce to be selected as a finalist and beat tough competition from China, Ankara, Slovak and Tanzania chambers of commerce to win this prestigious award.
The Acorn Interactive service is the first system of its kind and will change the way that exporters work, saving time, money and resource. It provides all the tools and information required for businesses to be successful in international trade.
Business West managing director Phil Smith said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this global award in recognition of our innovative product which makes exporting easier. Having been recognised recently at a national level with our British Chambers of Commerce Excellence in International Trade Award and now at an international level, we can truly demonstrate that Business West is a leading provider of export solutions in the UK.”
Business West has been instrumental in developing a range of pioneering international trade services, such as e-cert, its Letter of Credit service, Acorn Interactive and is about to launch a unique online export training service.
Business West, which runs the Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire chambers along with the Bristol and Swindon Initiatives, is working with UK Trade & Investment, Barclays, HSBC and British Chambers of Commerce to ensure Acorn Interactive supports exporters with all aspects of international trade. Acorn is being piloted in six chambers in the West Midlands area and will soon be available in all regions of the UK.
Mr Smith continued: “This award not only recognises the significant contribution we have made to international trade services but acknowledges the fact that Business West is continually at the forefront of new technologies and consistently looking for innovative ways in which to meet our customers needs.”
Business West international trade manager at Lyn Palmer said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious award. Interest from other chambers around the world has already been high and we are looking forward to working with them.”
Celebrating the win in Doha, Business West commercial directorJames Monk acknowledged the hard work and effort that has been put into this project by Business West and its IT partner, i2i Innovate to Integrate. He said: “It’s fantastic to win the award but now the really exciting part is rolling the platform out to other chambers and their members across the world.”
Penny Underwood, of i2i Innovate to Integrate, said: "Acorn Interactive is a great example of using the internet as a tool to create real business results. A deserving winner, this project is set to change the way exporters work and we are proud to be a partner in this project."
Pictured: Business West director – commercial services James Monk leads the celebrations as the Business West team hear the result
