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https://ukti.blog.gov.uk/2009/11/11/business-development-diaries-2/

Business Development Diaries 2

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Export, North West, UK regions

I had forgotten how beautiful the scenery is across the North West of England and into Southern Scotland. Even the heavy, dark sky did not take away from the majestic vistas. The journey put me in a great mood for my first working visit to Glasgow. I met with five fantastic companies all looking to build their export markets into Australia. They told me that the retail sector had been hit quite hard by the recession. But they, and many other companies, were seeing great opportunities for export. The weaker pound meant UK exports looked better value in overseas markets and that UKTI could support them to make the most of these opportunities.

I met a company called Vetfone that provides an NHS Direct type service for pets. The people at Vetfone have built a really strong business in the UK and it looks as though they can do the same in Australia, even taking advantage of the time difference to provide services in both countries from a pool of qualified veterinary nurses.

Novograf make PVC-free graphic coverings (I think that’s the best way to describe their product). They already do some business in the Australian market but see opportunities to grow it exponentially. Their product is amazingly versatile; I can see them taking the market by storm.

First Point USA is a market leader at supporting students into sports scholarships in the US. They already have a market in Australia and New Zealand where the quality of young sports people is very strong. I was interested to hear about the complexity of placing students and the requirements to ensure the right match is found. First Point USA has enormous experience in the market and explained that there was still plenty of room to grow. We discussed how UKTI might help to identify the key organisations that work with talented young people in Australia.

Sunderland of Scotland makes world class golf wear. Its range of products is stylish and practical. Some of the world’s greatest golfers wear Sunderland. The business is focused on golf and credibility is built on their strong brand ‘Never weather beaten.’ Although Sunderland sells around the world already, there are clear opportunities to grow in both Australia and New Zealand.  We discussed how UKTI can support them through the OMIS system with research, partner finding and product support in both markets.

360 CRM sell an appointment reminder service into the NHS in UK. This software reduces the incidence of patients missing their appointments, and ensures that doctors work as efficiently as possible. My wife works in a doctor’s surgery in Australia, so I know how much of a problem this is there as well. I discussed with 360 how UKTI can help to understand the regulatory framework (particularly around privacy legislation), identify key partners and customers, and get established quickly in Australia.

I had a smashing couple of days in Glasgow, seeing some really interesting and dynamic companies. All of them were extremely complementary of Scottish Enterprise, the organisation that supports innovative Scottish companies to grow. They are clearly doing an effective job given the quality of the companies I met.

I saw this train (the Sir Nigel Gresley) in Grosmont – I used to have a model version – very excited!
I saw this train (the Sir Nigel Gresley) in Grosmont – I used to have a model version – very excited!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
On to the South West (wow that’s a long way…)

Deputy Consul General & Director of Trade and Investment
Paul Noon, Deputy Consul General & Director of Trade and Investment

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