In 2020, DriveWorks VP and Co-Founder, Maria Sarkar MBE, was honored to be recognized as an Export Champion by the UK Government Department for Business & Trade. Export Champions are from UK companies that have successfully sold overseas and want to share their insight to encourage others to consider growing their international business through exporting.
This year we are very pleased to be celebrating Maria’s 5th consecutive year as an Export Champion.
The Export Champion program
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the UK Government Department for Economic Growth. They support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the UK.
The DBT’s Export Champions’ program highlights inspirational exporters who are happy to share their stories and support other SMEs on their exporting journey. By supporting the DBT in promoting the benefits of exporting, the Export Champion community also helps to achieve the Secretary of State’s aim to achieve £1 trillion exports by 2030.
DriveWorks export success
Since DriveWorks was founded in 2001, our software has been used by businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries, all over the world. Our export channel is built on an international network of over 100 Value-Added Resellers across 54 countries, who work with us to sell and support our software. Our international reseller network is complemented by key DriveWorks team members positioned in strategic global locations.
We work hard to ensure our software is easy to use and can be supported no matter where you are in the world. We support a worldwide community of DriveWorks users with technical support, training and learning materials to ensure consistent quality. Our annual technical learning event, DriveWorks World, is hosted virtually and joined by a global audience of users and resellers.
Further export recognition
DriveWorks is proud to have a strong track record in exporting. Our export success has been recognized with awards:
Cheshire Business Exporter High Sherriff Award
In 2019, DriveWorks received a High Sherriff award and were named as joint winners of the Cheshire Business Exporter of the Year Award, alongside the Tall Group. The award recognized significant growth in international business through a clear commitment to the development of new export market opportunities.
Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade
In 2019 DriveWorks were awarded two highly coveted Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The awards were in recognition of our outstanding achievement for both Innovation and International Trade.
“We are all so proud to have received this recognition. The award inspires us to do more, to keep on innovating and working hard to maintain our strong international channel. We are pleased to be making a significant contribution to the economy and local community”
DriveWorks CEO Glen Smith
Supporting learning around the world
As part of our wider ESG commitment to STEM we are proud to support education on a global platform with our free DriveWorks training and certification programs for anyone with access to SOLIDWORKS®.
DriveWorksXpress is taught in schools and universities around the world, enabling students to learn additional skills and knowledge. Additionally, members of the DriveWorks team take part in an outreach program to provide on-site training for university students taking DriveWorks certifications.
Advice to exporters
“It’s important to recognise that geography plays a part in how people do business. Make sure you are tuned into cultural differences and adapt accordingly. Also, make use of technology to scale your business and work smart. You can be an extremely successful 24/7 business whilst maintaining a healthy work/life balance”
DriveWorks VP & Co-Founder and Export Champion, Maria Sarkar MBE