Ballymena-based CIGA Healthcare has been announced as one of 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the United Kingdom who have been recognised as an exceptional exporter in the 2024 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards.
The winners of the prestigious awards were announced today, Tuesday 23rd April, by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.
Now in their second year, the awards celebrate outstanding small businesses achieving exporting success, and come after new figures from the UN’s body that leads on global trade show the UK was the 4th largest exporter of goods and services globally in 2022, moving up from 7th in the rankings in 2021.
Industry pioneers CIGA Healthcare Ltd joins Belfast-based IceMos Technology as the only two Northern Ireland companies to be included among the winners.
Founded in 2005, the family owned business which has its headquarters in the Pennybridge area of the Ballymena, has firmly established itself as a leading UK company specialising in rapid diagnostic tests including fertility tests, blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors.
The company has grown rapidly over the years and now exports a wide range of Rapid Test Diagnostics to over 80 countries globally, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, and nations across South America. CIGA’s products are supplied to national health services and international brands, such as Walmart and AmerisourceBergen.
IceMOS Technology, which has a manufacturing centre of excellence located in Belfast, is a privately held semiconductor technology corporation and manufacturer of a new class of MEMS based power and sensing advanced semiconductor technologies. This serves wide-ranging applications anywhere that power efficiency and sensing matters.
Commenting on the 2024 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards Minister for Exports Lord Offord said:
“We’re proud of our British exporters and these Awards highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products and services around the world.
“I hope the winners serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder and encourage more businesses to showcase the incredible talent and innovation of UK businesses selling abroad.”
Cabinet Office Minister Ester McVey added:
“Selling overseas is key to driving economic growth across the UK. As part of the GREAT campaign, it’s wonderful to celebrate these businesses who showcase the best of what Britain and Northern Ireland have to offer the world.”
Winning businesses receive an invitation to an evening Parliamentary Reception and receive a year’s free membership with the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT). They will also win a digital badge, physical certificate and trophy and enjoy promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success.