A CITY business which found fame on BBC television series Dragon’s Den is up for another top honour.
The Magic Whiteboard Company, based in Blackpole, is vying for the Best Exporter award in The Great Faces of British Business competition, with voting set to close on Monday (February 23).
The contest is run by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), a government department which helps increase overseas trade, in association with BT Business.
The winner, announced on March 3, will receive a bespoke marketing campaign worth £30,000, support from UKTI, an iPad air and 12 months of free WiFi from BT.
Neil and Laura Westwood got the business up and running by gaining £100,000 joint investment from Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden on the show in 2008.
It has gone from strength to strength since and now exports to 20 countries and more than 500 stores across the globe.
The company was recently named West Midlands Exporter of the Year but hopes to go one better next month with more national recognition.
Mr Westwood, who came up with the original portable whiteboard while working for the NHS, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the West Midlands Exporter of the Year, and the prospect of winning the national award is incredibly exciting.
“We have worked extremely hard over the past six years to establish a strong footing in over 20 countries, including the launch of ‘Tableau Blanc Magique’ in France.”
Their range of products now include Magic Blackout Blinds, Magic notebooks, Magic Sticky notes, Magic Clearboard and Magic Rulers.
The business has been working extensively with the area’s UKTI team as it continues to expand.
Votes can be cast at www.competition.greatbusiness.gov.uk.
