Two Scottish knitwear companies and a weaving company will fly the flag for Scotland as finalists in the prestigious UK Fashion & Textile Export Awards, presented by HRH, The Princess Royal and UK TV’s Joanna Lumley, on Thursday 13 May in London.

The glittering ceremony, organised by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), celebrates excellence in international trade ranging from sellers of vintage clothing to directional British brands; from newcomers to giants with a long-established worldwide reputation for selling overseas.

The two hopeful Scottish knitwear companies are, Johnstons Cashmere in the Heritage category and knitwear specialist Eribé in the Small Business category. This year, the awards which are supported by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International (SDI), received a record number of entries from across the country.

A win this year would be a hat-trick for veteran winner Eribé Knitwear Design who picked up the Small Business Award in 2009 and the Ethical Fashion Award in 2008. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of contemporary knitwear for ladies and men and also a selection of accessories. The potential of three in a row is an exciting prospect according to Eribé’s proprietor and designer, Rosemary Eribé: “It is fantastic to reach the final of the UKFT awards for the third year in a row!  Having picked up an award in 2008 and 2009 it would be a wonderful achievement to also win in 2010, although we know we are up against some strong competition.

“We are especially happy that all the hard work of our suppliers and hand knitters, over the 24 years we've been in business, can be celebrated. With their help we can continue to supply top quality knitwear to the world.”

Chair of the Scottish Textiles Industry Association and managing director of woven cashmere manufacturing company, Begg of Scotland, who are also in the running for an award, David Breckenridge said: “From humble beginnings in Paisley, our products now grace the world’s catwalks and have an international customer base. To make it in to the final of these hotly contested awards is a fantastic achievement for our company.

“Having three Scottish textiles companies represented at these awards is testament to the continued hard work of the industry here in Scotland. I hope all three of us can walk away winners on the night.”

Elgin-based Johnstons Cashmere, which has been independently run since 1797, is a finalist in the Heritage category. James Dracup, managing director of Johnstons Cashmere, said: “Heritage and quality are at the core of our company. Johnstons is committed to manufacturing in Scotland and delivering a textile product that epitomises a ‘Made in Scotland’ label, I know that Scottish designs and product are respected and sought after around the world.”

Cathy Black, head of textiles at Scottish Enterprise, added: “Winning a UKFT award is one of the leading accolades for a fashion and textiles company. Textiles Scotland is extremely well represented in this competition and this just demonstrates the continued strength and growth of this sector in Scotland, the UK and in international markets.  Let’s hope all three come out on top on the night.”

The prize list for this year’s UK Fashion Export Awards includes stands at Moda Menswear in Birmingham, Prêt à Porter Paris, The Train New York, Mode City Paris & Interfilière and Pure Accessories in London. Other prizes include a subscription to WGSN.com and travel vouchers from Textile Forum.

The judging panel, chaired by Steve Newbold, managing director, Emap Connect, included Muriel Piaser, representing Prêt à Porter Paris, Nick Cook of ITE Moda, Nicola Copping of the Financial Times, Jessica Brown of Drapers and Dolly Jones of VOGUE.COM UK.