Who are the channel's fastest-growing exporters?

Sunday Times International Track features a number of resellers and distributors seeing growth in their international businesses

A host of resellers, distributors and service providers have featured in the Sunday Times' International Track research, which ranks the UK midmarket firms with the fastest-growing overseas businesses.

Over 10 channel organisations featured in the 200-strong list, with West Sussex-based OCSL ranking second, behind only coffee manufacturer Lincoln & York.

According to the report, OCSL has seen its international sales grow nearly 230 per cent per annum over the last two years, to account for £8.3m of its £85m revenue.

Numerous other providers including Viadex, CAE and AVMI are featured further down the table.

The distribution space is represented by the likes Westcoast, which has seen growth in its international business of 65 per cent per annum over the last two years, along with Simms International and independent distie The Change Organisation.

Jane Ayres, CMO at OCSL said that the firm has seen success partnering with US firms who want to fulfil European deals without expanding into the region themselves.

"Reports like this are important because it shows our customers that we are getting third-party recognition," she added. "We have had some lovely comments this week from customers and what is pleasing is to see some of our customers included as well.

"We have been doing international business for a long time, mostly in partnership with people like HPE and Cisco, but we have definitely seen a real growth engine around our international business. Some of that came around an acquisition which delivered us a very large contract with the European Patent Office and we've really grown that contract.

"We've also been very successful with our partner methodology. We have something we call the international partner practice, and we work very closely with a number of North American resellers who are uncomfortable delivering in the UK, Europe and beyond, so we really act as an extension of them."

Justin Harling, CEO at Watford-based CAE said that providing global solutions to clients is becoming more important to the channel.

CAE's international revenue has risen 58.78 per cent per annum over the last two years, to contribute £6m to the reseller's £95.7m revenue.

"It is a tremendous accolade to be recognised amongst such illustrious company and reflects the huge effort CAE has put into building a capability that supports our customers across the world," he said. "This capability will be enhanced and expanded as the company targets and wins more global business.

"Organisations having to deliver seamless technology infrastructure on a global scale is another example of where customer experience is paramount.

"This means having an understanding of how solutions can be delivered across borders including physical projects, finance and billing and ongoing support that is consistent, irrespective of location and time zone. We believe that CAE's customer experience is the best available and will drive sales in international markets as overseas business plays a vital part of our strategic growth over the next five years."

The channel firms featured in the International Track 200 are joined by organisations from industries including recruitment, food supply and retail.

An interactive table featuring the channel organisations recognised in the full report can be found below.