Canberra business see’s the benefits of Export Awards

The annual ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards  are a prestigious event in the ACT’s annual business calendar. They acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of businesses, large and small, in reaching new markets through exporting their products or services.

One Canberra business recognised for their exporting achievements is software company XP Solutions, winner of the Information and Communication Technology Award in the 2012 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards.

Launching in Canberra almost four decades ago, XP Solutions now has its sights set on a major expansion in Asia and North America following the win.

Using Canberra as a base, XP Solutions is leading the way in exporting environmental software to organisations across the world – with clients in countries including Korea, Japan, China and the UK.

With aims to expand business in Asia by 25 per cent in the next financial year, and North America by up to 15 per cent, there is clearly no stopping this Canberra company!

Sudesh Mudaliar, Vice President of Asia Pacific at XP Solutions, said winning the award was a fantastic way for the company to gain recognition and ensure it stood out from the crowd in the global marketplace.

“The awards give companies credibility and recognition so that when you go in and say ‘I am winner of a Chief Minister’s Award’ it gives you a bit of standing,” Mr Mudaliar said.

“One of the other good things about the awards is making the application because it makes you think about what you are doing. The whole process of reviewing your plans and goals makes you question aspects of your business.”

XP Solutions, which also has offices in the UK and North America, creates software tools for analysing flood risk, drainage design, water quality and road design. The software is targeted to engineering consultants, government agencies and environmental management organisations.

Next on the Belconnen-based company’s agenda is establishing a base in South East Asia, which it hopes will further boost sales in Asia.

“No one goes into an award to come second, it was a great experience and it makes you focus on the business,” Mr Mudaliar continued.

“The ACT Exporters Network  is another important way to meet other businesses in Canberra. It gives you good leverage and we have the edge of hunting in a pack.”

ACT exporters have the opportunity to enter the awards in 15 categories including Exporting to Asia, Environmental Solutions and Creative Industries.

Nominations for the 2013 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards are currently open and close on 15 August 2013.

For more information or to apply for the awards visit the ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards website .

Sudesh Mudaliar, Vice President of Asia Pacific at XP Solutions