Excellence in Export & Global Supply Chains
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Category Definition & Guidelines
To assist you with this application the judges have provided some guidelines.
When providing your answers, the “For Example”/guidelines we have suggested for each question are not intended to be exhaustive. They are designed as examples and prompts to help you understand the judges’ requirements. It is important that where you state that you have evidence in support of the specific question you are answering, you need to provide that evidence – usually, a generic brochure or company overview is not sufficient.
Download a category information guide here.
Additional Information
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Focus of the category
The HMA Excellence in Export and Global Supply Chains Award recognises businesses that have successfully established significant revenue streams through international exports or active participation in major global supply chains (e.g., defence, aviation, energy, etc.).
This award celebrates companies that have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and strategic growth in entering and sustaining international markets. It highlights the global competitiveness and capabilities that are a strength of the Hunter manufacturing sector.
Applicants must address each of the listed criteria (where relevant) and support responses with evidence. Supporting material—such as photographs, drawings, videos, or presentations—may be uploaded as attachments to the online application form. All attachments must be clearly labelled, including a reference to the relevant criterion.
Please address the following criteria and restrict the content of each response to 300 words or less.
Note - Applicants may find that their application into this category may also be a 'fit' for another category, such as Manufacturer of the Year, etc.
By adapting the information to fit the criteria of other categories you give yourself the opportunity for your product, process, etc. to be profiled in more than one sector
Judging criteria & Values
Question 1:
Overview of Organisation
Judging Criteria
- Provide an overview of your business, including core capabilities, unique strengths and key motivations.
- Include:
- Number of years in business
- Annual sales and growth in each over past three years
- Number of employees and staff growth over the past three years
- Use a table where appropriate for clarity.
- Include links (not attachments) to media articles, videos, or other relevant materials.
Value:
5/60
Question 2:
Overview of Exported Products and Services
Judging Criteria
- Describe the products and/or services being exported into a global supply chain.
- Outline the development process for these products
- Explain your competitive advantage - why customers in global markets choose your product or service.
- Include:
- Countries you are actively supplying
- Duration of supply into each country
- Established distribution channels (e.g. direct, agent, distributor).
- You may embed pictures within your response and link to brochures, videos or other marketing materials.
Value:
15/60
Question 3:
Export or Global Supply Chain Strategy
Judging Criteria
- How did you determine that your company was ready for international markets?
- Identify target countries and explain your selection rationale.
- Outline your approach to market entry, brand development, and growth objectives.
- Consider presenting your strategy in a summary table highlighting key steps and milestones.
- Mention any external assistance received (e.g., consultants, government grants, industry programs).
Value:
30/60
Question 4:
Challenges and how they were overcome
Judging Criteria
- Describe the barriers faced in exporting or supply chain participation and how you overcame them.
- Challenges may include cultural differences, logistics, marketing, finance, regulatory compliance, product modifications, etc.
- Detail any external support or partnerships you leveraged to address these challenges.
Value:
15/60
Question 5:
Achievements and ongoing export management
Judging Criteria
- Outline key milestones and achievements (e.g., distributor agreements, MOUs, product trials, market entry successes).
- Consider using a table to clearly present both qualitative and quantitative achievements.
- Describe your plans to sustain and manage international sales growth over time, including:
- Financing
- Ongoing market support
- Long-term strategic goals
Value:
20/60
Question 6:
Financial Outcomes
Judging Criteria
- Summarise the financial results achieved through your export or supply chain initiatives.
- Provide a three-year summary including:
- Total export or global supply chain revenues
- Percentage of total business revenue attributable to these activities
- Growth in full-time equivalent staff related to export/global supply activities
Value:
15/60
Application Guide & tips
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