Prince of Wales champions exporting on visit to Staffordshire
The Prince of Wales visited Staffordshire on Tuesday 24 June to meet businesses in the region that are increasing sales by exporting.
Andy Jackson (left), David Smith, (middle) and HRH - explaining Ooh-ARs successes overseas with their Augmented reality platform
The Prince met six Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at Middleport Pottery, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Each company has received, or is about to receive, support from UKTI to help them export. Companies that export will generate an extra £30 billion for the UK economy.
The Prince’s visit to Middleport also marked the completion of a £9 million project by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust to restore Britain’s last Victorian pottery and create a new hub for traditional crafts.
Visiting companies
UKTI arranged for the Prince of Wales to meet companies that are involved in international trade.
Paul Noon, Regional Director for UKTI in the West Midlands said:
I am delighted his Royal Highness has chosen to spotlight a group of top Staffordshire exporters and we have the opportunity to showcase these creative companies as a sample of some of the best the UK has to offer.
The Prince of Wales visited the following companies who are linked by their creativity and commitment to international trade and currently export around the world.
Hudsons of England
Manufacturers of fine bone china using traditional methods since 1875. With help from UKTI, Hudsons have been to China and visited trade exhibitions in Russia and more recently Japan. Exports now account for over 40% of total business revenue.
Scabetti
A contemporary design–led, lighting sculpture company. Scabetti recently exhibited work in the ‘Limited Edition’ zone of Design Shanghai, China. The firm has completed UKTI’s Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth programmes.
Jan Constantine Ltd
A British designer known for her bold, iconic and patriotic hand embroidered textiles and accessories, as well as home interior products. With the help of UKTI, the company has exported its products worldwide and is currently focusing on Europe and Japan.
The Gaddum Group
Textile manufacturers in the Staffordshire Moorlands that have been trading in textiles since 1826. The company have recently started working with UKTI to explore overseas markets, particularly in Scandinavia and northern Europe
Fun Furniture Collection
A collection of childrens’ bedroom furniture inspired by heritage vehicles and designs. The firm recently joined UKTI’s Passport to Export programme and is looking to expand into Europe and the USA.
Ooh-Ar Augmented Reality Solutions (T/A Davis Smith Press Ltd)
Provide augmented reality solutions to a wide range of customers. The firm will be joining the UKTI Passport to Export programme later this year.
Contact your nearest UKTI office to find out how UKTI can help you expand overseas.
West Midlands top region for overseas growth
The West Midlands continues to be the top region in England for overseas growth, according to the latest export figures from HMRC. Figures show it has the highest year-on-year percentage increase in exports in England.
Annual exports are up from £23.3 billion to £27.8 billion, a 19.2% increase compared to last year’s figures. China remains the region’s top export market worth £1.2 billion this quarter.
Support for exporters
Paul Noon, Regional Director for UKTI in the West Midlands says:
Businesses earn £100,000 on average in additional sales within 18 months of working with UKTI, so there is significant incentive for firms to seek out our help and I encourage businesses inspired by today’s visit to get in contact with us.
Contact your nearest UKTI office to find out how UKTI can help you expand overseas.