Ulverston’s Oxley Group Named Finalist For Global Britain Award
Ulverston-based Oxley Group has been named a finalist for a national award recognising its sustained international growth and export success.
The specialist manufacturer has reached the final of the Global Britain Award category at the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Business Awards 2026. The company was nominated by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce following its continued expansion into international markets. The category recognises businesses that have achieved significant and sustained growth through international trade, highlighting companies with a strong presence beyond the UK.
Oxley Group exports advanced LED lighting systems, electronic components and integrated solutions to customers across more than 34 countries. Its international operations account for 84 per cent of the company's total turnover, demonstrating the significant contribution made by overseas markets to its overall business activity. The company supplies products to customers operating across several highly specialised sectors, including defence and aerospace.
Among the company's major international customers are Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Saab, Airbus and Gulfstream. Oxley's products are used in demanding aviation and defence applications, with the business continuing to secure contracts across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Its international customer base has helped the Ulverston manufacturer establish a presence across several major global markets.
The company has recorded sustained growth of around 20 per cent year-on-year, with new contracts supporting its expansion in overseas markets. Recent work includes projects connected with the Saab Gripen fighter aircraft in Sweden, Gulfstream G500 and G600 aircraft in the United States and the KF21 fighter aircraft programme in South Korea. These contracts reflect the range of international markets in which Oxley is currently operating.
Oxley's international growth has also been supported by continued investment at its Ulverston operation. More than £2 million has been invested in the facility, helping the company develop its manufacturing and engineering capabilities while supporting work for customers around the world. The investment forms part of the company's wider development as it continues to create technologies for demanding global applications.
A team of 30 engineers is involved in developing next-generation technologies for the company's international customers. Their work supports Oxley's focus on advanced lighting systems, electronic components and integrated solutions, with products designed for specialist applications where reliability and performance are important. The engineering team forms a key part of the company's ongoing product development and international growth.
Chief executive Darren Cavan welcomed the announcement of the finalist position, highlighting the contribution of Oxley's workforce to the company's international operations. He said the recognition reflected the dedication and expertise of employees who continue to deliver solutions for customers across global markets. Cavan also pointed to the company's export heritage and its roots in Cumbria as important parts of its identity.
Cavan also highlighted the role of innovation, quality and trusted business relationships in helping Oxley develop opportunities overseas. He said the recognition demonstrated both the company's international activity and the wider strength of manufacturing and engineering in the region. The comments underline the company's continued focus on combining its Cumbrian base with a growing international customer network.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce nominated Oxley Group for the award after inviting interest from its membership. Managing director Suzanne Caldwell said the organisation was proud to see the Ulverston company shortlisted, describing its international achievements as an example of how a specialist manufacturer based in Cumbria can operate successfully in global markets.
The Chamber said Oxley is a long-standing and active member of both the organisation and the wider business community. Its nomination reflects the company's export performance and the contribution of its specialist manufacturing operation to the regional business landscape. The recognition provides a national platform for a business whose operations remain firmly rooted in Ulverston.
The Global Britain Award forms part of the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Business Awards 2026, bringing businesses from across the country into consideration for recognition in a range of categories. Oxley's finalist position places the South Cumbrian manufacturer alongside other companies being recognised for their business achievements and development.
For Oxley, the nomination comes as the company continues to expand its international customer base while investing in its Ulverston facility and engineering workforce. The combination of overseas contracts, export-focused turnover and continued investment has supported the company's growth across multiple markets. Its latest recognition follows this sustained period of international business activity.
The company's work demonstrates the international reach of specialist manufacturing businesses operating from Cumbria. While its design and manufacturing activities remain based in Ulverston, Oxley's products are supplied to major organisations across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. The business continues to develop technology for customers in sectors where specialist engineering and electronic solutions are required.
The winner of the Global Britain Award is due to be announced on October 14. Oxley Group will now await the ceremony after being selected as a finalist, with the nomination providing further national recognition for the Ulverston-based manufacturer's international operations and continued investment in its Cumbrian base.
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