TRADE minister Lord Green set out the challenge of restoring the UK’s balance of payments deficit by growing our export base. Speaking at Thursday’s North East Exporters’ Awards, he described it as a marathon, not a sprint.

That challenge, which will take 10 or more years to meet, is one that the North East is at the forefront of addressing in its position as the only UK region with a consistently positive balance of trade.

But we need to do more. Our record level of exports in the past year, worth over £12bn, does not address the wider UK mismatch between the goods and services we import and those that we sell to trade partners overseas. As India and China lose their cost advantage – nibbled away by lead times, shipping costs and quality issues – UK manufacturers and particularly those in the North East will be in an increasingly stronger position to produce goods at home for domestic and global markets.

The award-winners last Thursday provided the template for that future growth. Guardian Marine Testing, a three-and-half-year-old fuel analysis business, picked up the overall export award for its success in exploiting a niche market rapidly and tackling export markets almost from day one.

GMT was joined by more seasoned exporters including Parker Hannifin and Ford Aerospace who were recognised for their team effort and expansion into new markets respectively. And Perry Process Equipment demonstrated how international language and cultural skills are at the heart of building overseas business.

Alongside Nissan, recognised for its longstanding export success, the award-winners set a benchmark for others across the North East looking to develop their business in new markets. The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) is committed to partnering with businesses in our region to help them deliver that growth.

NECC’s international trade team provides extensive support and guidance on importing and exporting, customs advice and information, export documentation and international trade training.

All the economic indicators over the past year and beyond have illustrated the importance of international trade. NECC’s latest flagship quarterly economic survey, the North East Business Barometer, showed that the predominant catalyst for growth in this region was trade abroad.

Lord Green is right when he says this is a marathon. The way the North East can better play its part in restoring the UK balance of payments – and the way to enjoy greater regional economic growth – is to encourage more competitors to enter the race.

:: Richard Swart, chairman of NECC’s International Trade Committee and Joint CEO of Berger Group Europe