NINE Dorset businesses are in a list of the central south’s top 20 companies growing internationally.

The 20 were identified as part of a study by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP.

The government recently launched a drive to get behind the international ambitions of medium-sized businesses (MSBs) through tailored advice from UKTI and a programme of support.

BDO says nine per cent of the region’s companies are medium-sized businesses – defined as privately owned firms with turnovers between £1m and £300m. They employ 45 per cent of the workforce and generate 48 per cent of the region’s revenue, the survey says.

The nine Dorset companies are: Imagine Publishing Group Limited, Emerge Limited and Aim Aviation Limited, all based in Bournemouth; Eco Sustainable Solutions in Parley; Marden Edwards Limited and Superior Group Limited in Wimborne; Kondor Limited in Christchurch; Bofa International Limited in Poole; and Neal’s Yard Holdings Limited in Gillingham.

Arbinder Chatwal, director at BDO in Southampton and head of the firm’s India Advisory Services, said: “The companies we have identified are trailblazing for other MSBs who need help to understand their potential for international success. Doing business in international markets is no longer confined to the region’s biggest businesses.”

BOFA, a world leader in fume extraction technology, says 80 per cent of its sales are international, to 10 countries.

Founder Dave Cornell said: “You need an international network and it’s difficult to establish that on your own.

“We use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) channels, and local resellers, but you have to build relationships that suit your business.

“It’s still a daunting prospect for many, but if they are able to make the investment, have an attractive product for international markets, then absolutely they should go for it.”