Nortel Networks was last night named Northern Ireland's exporter of the year. Presenting the award, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Sir Reg Empey said the Canadian group had grown its sales from Northern Ireland to more than £1 billion sterling (€1.63 billion) in the last three years, writes Francess McDonnell. "Nortel Networks is one of our most progressive companies in terms of technology and is a key player in the drive to transform Northern Ireland into a knowledge-driven economy," Sir Reg said.

Six companies, four of which are headquartered in the North, shared the limelight with Nortel.

Among the winners were Newry-based FM Environmental (tradeable services exporter of the year) and Belfast's Meridian Medical Technologies (small business exporter of the year). The First Time Exporter of the Year Award went to a fledgling Antrim company, Amtec Medical, that is currently developing a product to help fight deep vein thrombosis.