Section Menu

ECO are finalists in the CNET UK Business Technology Awards 2008

The ECO is pleased to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the prestigious CNET UK Business Technology Awards 2008 in the category of Public Sector Technology Project of the Year for SPIRE.

CNET Networks UK is the UK's largest online-only publisher. The awards themselves recognise innovation, application and excellence in technology and business and are one of the most sought-after IT and business accolades.

This is a notable achievement for ECO. It reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff, the developers of SPIRE, Fivium and also our customers for their continued support in working with us to ensure that the regulatory burden is kept to a minimum in line with the strategic objectives of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) of which we are a part.

The SPIRE online licensing system was launched on 3rd September 2007. The system:  

• makes it more straightforward to apply for a licence.
• links together electronically all the Government departments (MOD, FCO, BERR, DFID) involved in reviewing and assessing export licence applications and compliance.
• interfaces directly with HMRC's customs system, CHIEF.  
• replaces the previous paper export licences.

The system originally started life as a "JEWEL" (Joined Up Working in Export Licensing) workstream. The “JEWEL” project created an export licensing community across Government with a joint mission statement, shared training, common performance targets, regular performance reviews and a shared outreach programme to customers.

This approach to joined-up working and process re-engineering has been a key driver behind our strong and much improved performance against targets. Over recent months, ECO and the wider export licensing community have seen a significant increase in licence applications, which are up to 1000 a month, but have continued to meet and exceed targets.

Being a finalist for CNET Awards is further strong recognition for ECO's work in partnership with others.

Previously the ECO has been fortunate to win the Department of Trade and Industry’s Team Triumph Award in June 2007 for working together in a unique or excellent way to deliver outstanding achievements. We were also highly commended in the 2006 Civil Service Awards and were finalists in the 2007 National Business Awards in the Better Regulation category.

Export Control Organisation

Updated: 11 July 2008