Three companies in the South West of England have experienced strong recent export growth despite the challenges posed by Brexit, inflation and a looming recession.
Jo Bird & Co, established in 1986 and based in Somerset manufactures safety equipment cabinets primarily for the energy industry. It exports to 37 countries, with exports accounting for 60% of its production.
While the business supplies its products to oil and gas rigs, the company is now focusing heavily on offshore wind farms, where its cabinets will ensure safety equipment for maintenance teams remains protected and renewable energy can be produced efficiently.
Recently, the company has celebrated its largest ever order book. This was greatly assisted by a large sale of offshore wind turbine safety equipment cabinets to a Danish customer called Viking Life-saving. They in turn are supplying Orsted who are the leading offshore wind developer in the world.
The materials used in their safety cabinets are increasingly being made from Lloyds approved recycled materials. This includes gel coats, resins, and internal reinforcement. These helps to ensure the cabinets are durable, and therefore do not have to be replaced for years.
Since 2019, the company’s exports have grown by 14%, with their annual turnover now surpassing over £2 million.
Nick Atkins, the company’s Marketing Manager said:
“We've had fantastic support from Business West and getting tailored advice and guidance in areas such as export documentation really makes a difference when you aiming to boost your sales overseas.”
His main tips for other companies looking to grow their exports are:
“Trade missions are a great way to investigate a new market as well as helping to identify companies you can work with. Once you have started exporting, Business West is an invaluable resource to ensure the journey is smooth on the documentation side.”
Business West member, Beyond the Bean, is a specialist supplier to the coffee and bar sector within hospitality and its product range includes smoothies, hot chocolates, frappé powders, chai, and syrups for hot and cold drinks including cocktails.
Despite facing post-Brexit challenges such as the requirement for new documentation such as customs declarations and certificates of origin, as well as new rules and regulations, over the past five years the export business has grown from 24% to over 40% of its sales.
This comes as research from the Food and Drink Federation shows that food and drink exports to both EU and non-EU markets have exceeded pre-COVID levels for the first time in the first half of 2022.
Josh Jones, International Sales Manager at Beyond the Bean, a specialist supplier of beverage products to the coffee sector within hospitality, said:
“While there are challenges post-Brexit and post-pandemic, with investment and effort you can overcome them.”
Europe has always been a strong market for the company and now The Middle East is the latest of the 55 markets that they supply to. Recently the team had the pleasure of celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee with the embassy teams in both Erbil and Baghdad.
The company said Business West’s support during their export journey has been invaluable. Josh added:
“Business West has been very informative with the Chief to CDS migration and has provided upfront advice and a very smooth transition.
“Being compliant with HMRC is very important to us including ensuring details are correct in customs declarations and the correct commodity codes are used.
“When we were using our previous provider many export declarations were wrong. This is a big risk to the business, but we’ve never experienced this with Business West.”
Sky Inside, based in Bristol, create realistic windows and skylights to brighten dark spaces such as hospitals, displaying biophilic images which reflect the natural world and are proven to reduce feelings of stress. They also produce violence suppression systems for ambulances to protect staff and patients.
The company has also created lighting systems which mimic patients’ circadian rhythms, so they are able to heal in a natural way in hospital.
The company’s exports to Sweden and Germany have increased by 100% year on year for the past three years and its exports are expected to exceed £1 million by 2025.
Allan Sinclair, founder of the company said his biggest advice to other exporters is:
“Any adversity will always have an opportunity. It’s hard work to grow your exports, but you will reap the rewards when you believe in what you do and stay determined.”
James Monk, Commercial Director for Business West, said:
“It is fantastic to see these South West exporters thriving despite the current economic conditions.
“Their achievements reflect the strong demand overseas for high quality products from our region.
“Trade will play an important role in getting our economy back on track and these firms are a great example of how companies can look to lucrative overseas markets to boost their sales whilst creating more jobs.”
Businesses looking for support with their export documentation can contact 01275 774 958 to speak to a member of the international trade team at Business West. Alternatively, they can visit this page for more information.
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