EXPORT manager John McCaughran is a world champion!

John, who works for Hilden Manufacturing in Oswaldtwistle, has become the only person to have won the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce's export achievement award twice.

John has won the 1998 trophy for his achievements in East Africa, where Hilden has secured a strong foothold for its table linen and soft furnishings despite only being in the market for less than a year .

"It normally takes around two years to impact on a market like that but we were able to make a significant breakthrough by visiting the area and talking to some major players in the hospitality market," said John.

"Africa is often ignored by European exports and our new customers there are very appreciative of the service we have given them in assessing their needs face to face and delivering our promises."

Hilden is now Europe's largest family-owned textile manufacturer and has its administrative, weaving, finishing and dyeing bases in East Lancashire.

Its products are sold in markets including the USA, Denmark, France, Australasia and the Middle East.

John previously won the award in 1996 when he worked for Chapman Envelopes.

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