Exeter special effects company one of 12 winners in UK Government’s prestigious Made in the UK, Sold to the WorldAwards

From ethical metal recycling to AI-driven edtech and digital identity, twelve exceptional UK-based SMEs have been named today as winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards.

Now in their third year, the awards celebrate the international growth of the UK’s most dynamic small businesses.

Recognised in the Creative Industries category, Luminous Show Technology is a specialist designer and manufacturer of electro-mechanical hardware for the entertainment sector. Founded in 2017 and based in Exeter, the company creates advanced special effects systems used in stage productions, live events and film. Its technology has featured in major productions including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games.

Export plays a central role in the company’s growth strategy, accounting for a significant portion of revenue in the past year. Luminous Show Technology is currently finalising several new international orders and expanding its presence in Europe and North America through partnerships for bespoke systems. With demand for high-quality British-made technology increasing, the company continues to build long-term global relationships that reflect its commitment to excellence and innovation in creative engineering.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said:

“The innovation and entrepreneurship shown by the businesses entering the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards demonstrate the best of British business.

“When small businesses export, the whole economy benefits. By celebrating the outstanding international trade achievements of UK SMEs, we hope to encourage more businesses to get on the exporting ladder and take the best of Britain to markets around the world.”  

This year’s winners were chosen from hundreds of entries across 12 sector-focused categories, including two new areas—Digital & Technology and Export Services—introduced to reflect evolving global opportunities. Each category includes one winner and up to three highly commended businesses.

In the Digital & Technology category, Porotech stood out for its AR and AI-powered wearables, with 90% of revenue from exports and partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft and Foxconn. Twin Science & Robotics, winner in Education & EdTech, exports to over 40 countries and has seen 70% annual revenue growth through its STEM kits focused on AI, robotics and climate literacy.

Sustainability also remains a major theme across the winners. Osbit, winner in Low Carbon Energy, delivers mission-critical offshore wind technology, with 65% of revenue from exports. Meanwhile, Avon Specialty Metals, recognised in Advanced Manufacturing & Construction, recycles high-performance metals and alloys and has grown international sales by 192% over three years.

Winners like Gerald McDonald & Company (Agriculture, Food & Drink) and LIMB-art (Healthcare) underscore the global demand for British-made, high-quality products. From innovative prosthetics to premium fruit derivatives, these SMEs prove that exporting drives resilience, expansion and innovation.

Commenting on Luminous Show Technology’s win, Mike Badley, Director and Co-owner, said:

“We’re honoured to receive this recognition from the Department for Business and Trade. Exporting has been central to our growth, allowing us to share UK-made innovation with global partners. This award is a reflection of the dedication of our team and the strength of the UK’s creative engineering sector, and it will bolster our position when engaging with overseas clients, particularly in markets where British-made technology carries weight. We also acknowledge the outstanding work of other entrants in driving UK trade forward.”

This year’s winners will receive a bespoke promotional package, including a one-year membership to the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, a working capital masterclass with Lloyds Bank, an invitation to the winners’ reception in London, professional photography of their business, bespoke promotion on DBT channels and a digital badge, certificate and trophy to commemorate their achievements.

By creating jobs, driving innovation and exporting world-class British products and services, these businesses are making a vital contribution to the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth as part of its Plan for Change.

A key part of this mission is supporting SMEs to grow, scale and enter global markets—recognising that when more businesses trade internationally, the entire UK economy benefits. Exporting supports a fifth of UK employment[1], paying on average 7% higher wages[2] and delivering 21% higher productivity for goods exporters[3].

To help achieve its mission, the Government recently revamped the Board of Trade to boost SME exports and will soon launch its Trade Strategy. This will set out its approach to maximising export opportunities, including those arising from recently signed agreements with India, the US and the EU.

For free help selling to the world, visit business.gov.uk