KEY to a thriving community is trade, and growth comes with international trade.

As one of the UK’s largest trust ports and North East England’s major deep river port, the Port of Tyne acknowledges that its responsibility as a major player is to open the region to the global market. As a dynamic business, the Port of Tyne’s mission is to provide a vibrant and sustainable Port of Tyne with a commitment to promoting the businesses and communities of North East England to an international audience.

Having sponsored the Manufacturing Category in the Tyneside and Northumberland regional heat of the 2008 nebusiness awards, the Port of Tyne is proud to be sponsoring the Manufacturing Award at the regional final. Jennifer Dunn, marketing and communications manager for the Port of Tyne said: “In 2008 we were impressed by the innovative strategies evident in all of those companies that entered the awards. In particular, it was great to hear that in spite of the economic downturn, all three finalists in the Manufacturing Award, Tyneside and Northumberland, were seriously upbeat for the remainder of 2009 and going forward over the next few years.

Andrew Moffat, chief executive officer for the Port of Tyne, pictured, who will sit on the judging panel for the regional finals, added: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the nebusiness awards, and this year I’ll be looking for manufacturing companies that create value by delivering customer-focused marketing strategies, using latest technology and those who show commitment to both employee development and corporate responsibility.”