AN Acton cosmetics firm is urging companies to put themselves forward for a national manufacturing award after coming up trumps last year.

Reigning champion Pai Skincare, an organic skincare cosmetics manufacturer in Colville Road which employs 17 staff, won an award for export development, sponsored by private equity investor Dunedin, in EEF/Aldermore’s annual Future Manufacturing Awards.

Businesses from across the UK submitted entries to a panel of judges on their commitment to developing an export strategy.

Now in their sixth year, the national awards will take place in April in London and Pai Skincare is urging other businesses to enter.

Sarah Brown, Founder of Pai Skincare, said: “It has been a real boost to our business and to staff and it is great to get industry recognition for our work.”

Entries should be made before October 3 at: www.eef.org.uk/awards/