ACHIEVEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

(Sponsored by the International Trade Forum)

WINNER: Cooper Research Technology, Ripley.

RUNNERS UP: John Smedley, near Matlock. Tampertech, Ashbourne.

DURING the recent recession, some companies have found that one of the best ways to beat the downturn in UK markets has been to explore opportunities overseas.

Design and manufacturing firm Cooper Research Technology, in Ripley, has done this to great effect.

And the company's success in this area has led to it being awarded the Achievement in International Business Award, sponsored by the International Trade Forum.

The firm is one of the world leaders in the design and manufacture of high-performance testing equipment for asphalt and materials used in highway construction.

Operating within a niche market, more than 80% of its recent business has been global export.

The company designs and manufactures high-performance equipment which is used worldwide by universities, oil companies and departments of transport.

The firm was founded in 1990 by chairman Keith Cooper, who designed the Nottingham Asphalt Tester (NAT) in the 1980s, while he was at the University of Nottingham.

The NAT, which was the first of its kind, helped launch the business and still forms a big part of what the firm does today.

In simple terms, the machine has automated and improved the measured accuracy of the mechanical properties of asphalt.

Since the 1980s, the company has steadily increased its range of products and over the last three years has seen exponential growth.

Managing director Peter Grafton said: "Over the last five years we have developed the ability to question, challenge and change operating norms and assumptions, as a learning organisation we include everyone.

"Autonomous working practices have led to improvements beyond our expectations.

"This year's trading to date is once again exceptional.

"Receiving this award is recognition of the fact that when a determined team decides it will deliver, not even the a global economic downturn can stop it's progress.

"Only a few years ago our company was a minnow in the world of asphalt-testing solutions.

"Before long it will be the biggest fish in the ocean, supplying the largest range of UK manufactured asphalt-testing equipment throughout the world.

"We are already the largest UK producer of asphalt equipment."