Nordic hunger to buy British

The Nordic population, like us, are looking for newer, more efficient, more stylish goods and services to keep their position as one of the most wealthy, happy, progressive, vibrant regions in the world and therefore have a definite hunger for good quality British products. Sally Maki shares this and other reasons why British companies should be looking to the Nordic markets for their export activities.

So when did it all begin? For most I think the seeds were sown with ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. Yes, I know it could have happened earlier than this with Fred Olsen’s Norwegian fjord cruises but frankly these appeal mainly to the more gentle echelons of society. I’m talking about the mainstream interest in all things Scandinavian or should I say Nordic. Whatever; ruminating on this distinction is for another day.

Go back to when it was hip to have a Nokia mobile. Since then the Nordics have drip fed us the inestimable delights of flat packs, meatballs, Hasbeen clogs, Nordic Noir, even chunky knitwear à la Sarah Lund. And who would have thought prime colours in the British sea of beige could provide such joy. I love my lime green salad bowl and I frequently wonder how I managed shoe management before I bought that neat Ikea Grevbäck storage box.  Our appetite for the Nordic look seems insatiable.

So has this interest in the Nordic region rolled out to the business world? No, then why not? OK, I know this area seems like light years away possibly because it hasn’t been exposed to cheap package holidays. Geographically remote, notoriously expensive, intimidatingly productive and forward thinking, linguistically unfathomable…. No need to go on. 

Have you ever thought that we Brits have products and services that these pesky Scandies are gagging for. We create, manufacture and distribute a whole myriad of wonderful ‘Made in Britain’ items which we take for granted yet would be so well received by the Nordics.   Up to 25 years ago they weren’t selling electric kettles let alone teapots. Let’s not underestimate the huge diversity of British industry; the enormous range of products and systems which our talented, multi-skilled workforce produces. Yes, it’s without question that the Nordics want to tap into this.  Don’t think the Nordics have all areas covered. They, like us, are looking for newer, more efficient, more stylish goods and services to keep their position as one of the most wealthy, happy, progressive, vibrant regions in the world.  All streets are 2-way and there is a definite hunger for good quality commodities which Britain produces so well.

Now don’t forget the spending power which the Nordics have to buy British. If they can afford €8 for a beer, they are well prepared to pay promptly and with a smile for their British imports.

So where to start? An expensive trip to Copenhagen and then swing by Helsinki, Stockholm and Oslo with your bag of samples, hoping that your stand at an exhibition won’t be lost amid all the other international brands. Or the easier way? 

If you’re reluctant to shell out on unprofitable fact-finding journeys which might not produce a sausage, why not investigate the easier way by calling our international trade centre on 01275 370 944 or email uktisw@mobile.ukti.gov.uk