LONDON: BBC Worldwide, the commercial consumer arm of the BBC, has been recognised for its Outstanding Export Achievement in the Trade Partners UK-backed International Business Awards.

The International Business Awards, a joint initiative between Trade Partners UK and Nexus Communications (publishers of Export Times) recognise the achievements of some of the best of British business, from successful new ventures to leading blue-chip organisations across the UK.

Being recognised with this major accolade - the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award for export - against strong competition from leading UK organisations reflects BBC Worldwide's financial returns, strong growth, innovative strategies and market leadership over a three-year review period

Presenting the award to BBC Worldwide's Director of International Television Mike Phillips the Minister of State for International Trade and Investment Baroness Symons said, "The last twelve months have been difficult for those engaged in international trade, but despite this many British exporters have persevered and gained valuable contracts for the UK. It is through the success of businesses and individuals that we are the world's fifth largest exporter of goods and the world's largest exporter of services. It is a great tribute to the strength, flexibility and resilience of those who have competed successfully in the global market."

An official release informs that in the three-year review period - 1999-2002 - BBC Worldwide grew its turnover from £514m to £660m and its profit from £9m to £26m. In the last financial year (2001-2002) the company returned a record £106m to the BBC. The company's exceptional strength and growth was also recognised this year with a Queen's Award for Enterprise 2002 in the international trade category.

Key factors in the company's growth have been the launch of BBC channels, branded blocks, the re-versioning of programmes such as The Weakest Link and Top of the Pops for local markets, and joint venture partnerships, driving significant business growth in key territories such as the USA, Germany, Latin America and Canada.

Other major BBC properties that contributed to this success include the internationally acclaimed factual series, The Blue Planet and Walking with Beasts. Children's properties such as Teletubbies and Tweenies continued to expand across media around the world. In addition to financial growth, all aspects of the company's activities - from programme sales to corporate responsibility - were taken into account for the Award. The company had to prove best practice in the areas of: relationship with employees, suppliers, partners, customers and contractors; impact on society; relationship with local communities - at home and abroad; and impact on the environment