A security print solution firm has just landed a major deal with an American law firm, thanks to ongoing help and support from UK Trade & Investment.

Hinckley-based Checkprint Ltd, part of the Tall Group of Companies, successfully fulfilled a major order from an American legal firm dealing with a large compensation 'class action' claim, which asked them to print, personalise, enclose and mail 100,000 individual printed personalised cheques in just 48 hours.

And Group Managing Director Martin Ruda said that order - the largest ever single order for Checkprint - came as a result of UKTI's advice and support.

He said: "That order came as a result of developing our understanding of international market requirements. UKTI has helped get us focused on opportunities internationally."

Checkprint, of Dodwells Bridge Industrial Estate, a sister company of Tall Security Print Ltd in Runcorn, joined UKTI's Passport to Export programme in 2006 after recruiting their first export manager.

Said Martin: "We engaged the local advisors to review our needs. We had some financial support within the programme and have had specific support in visiting markets."

Along with the United States, Checkprint and Tall already export directly to a varied number of countries worldwide including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Yemen, Ethiopia, Swaziland, the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Jamaica.

But Martin is keen that they extend their export business even further so the firm has also commissioned a report through UKTI's Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) and is halfway through receiving research information about Malaysia.

Checkprint - which won the Queen's Award for Innovation in 2005 for their unique payment system products - will also played host on 30th June to visitors from China, Nigeria, Yemen and Taiwan as part of a visit organised by the Queen's Award team.

Said Martin: "The international scholars who are in the UK at the invite of the Lord Mayor of the City of London were invited to see at first hand a successful British small to medium enterprise working in international markets. It's just another example of where we interact with the international community."

Martin also recently attended a UKTI-organised event Export Finance in Challenging Times, which featured a video link from Minister for Trade Lord Mervyn Davies.

John Wilson, International Trade Adviser, said: "Checkprint is making great strides in taking their products overseas and is obviously reaping the benefits of trying to understand international markets.

"UKTI can offer a variety of help and advice to other businesses who want to follow their lead and take their national success to a global level."

Any company wanting to increase their export sales should contact the UKTI International Trade Team on 0845 052 4001.