Two local firms among 10 winners in prestigious UK export awards

CIGA Healthcare and ICEMOS Technology are among the 10 winners of the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, it was announced today.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) awards celebrate the export success of small businesses around the UK, as new figures show it was the world’s fourth largest exporter of goods and services in 2022.

Ciga Healthcare in Ballymena now exports its rapid diagnostic tests including fertility tests, blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors to 80 countries.

And at semiconductor specialist ICEMOS Technology in Belfast, 99% of its business is exported outside the British Isles.

Ciga’s products are supplied to national health services and international brands, such as Walmart and Amerisourcebergen. It has just secured a new deal to supply a range of products to Walmart Marketplace in the US, expected to reach a value of $500,000 in the first year.

Lord Offord, Minister for Exports, said: “We’re proud of our British exporters and these awards highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling Uk-made products around the world.”

Irwin Armstrong, chief executive of Ciga Healthcare, said: “We are delighted to receive the award, which recognises the tremendous work put in by everyone in our company over the past few years.”

Dr Samuel J Anderson, founder and chairman of ICEMOS Technology, said: “This win underscores our position as a leader in the industry and validates the effectiveness of our sensing and power technologies in driving energy efficiency and CO2 reduction.

“It provides us with a strong foundation to further expand our exporting success. Building on this momentum, we aim to diversify our export markets and deepen our presence in existing ones.”

Marco Forgione, director general of The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) and panel judge, said that Ciga’s impact “reverberates across the globe”.

“With exports spanning over 80 countries, including key markets in the USA, Canada, Europe and beyond, Ciga’s commitment to quality and accessibility knows no bounds.”

He described ICEMOS Technology as a “pioneer in the semiconductor industry”.

“With a strong focus on market diversification, ICEMOS has achieved remarkable growth.”