Pictured above: (l-r) Jacqui Pountney of Walsall
Equestrian Society, Margaret Corneby, chief executive of Black
Country Chamber of Commerce, Patrick Keane of Patrick Saddlery and
UK Trade & Investment international trade adviser Paul Keeling
are pictured at the opening of the company's new premises
A Walsall saddler is beating the economic downturn by finding
new markets overseas, with help from UK Trade & Investment.
Master saddler Patrick Keane, owner of Patrick Saddlery, has
just moved his business to a new, purpose-built factory in Box
Street to deal with the increasing demand from international
customers for his hand crafted saddles.
Patrick started as an apprentice in 1972 and set up his own
saddlery, which has four employees, in 1996. Since 2000, he has won
nine first prizes in the Society of Master Saddlers competition,
plus four competitions at the NEC to make a saddle in front of an
audience.
He has been working with UK Trade & Investment to develop
his business for nine years, during which export sales have gone
from zero to £500,000 - about 90 per cent of the company's
annual turnover.
Patrick said: "We exhibit at the King of Prussia exhibition in
Philadelphia twice a year with Walsall Equestrian Society, thanks
to financial support from UK Trade & Investment. This has been
a great source of new customers.
"We export mostly to the USA - mainly dressage, eventing and
jumping saddles for competition horses - and also to Germany and
the Netherlands. I've designed a new range of saddles and stirrup
bars, which are proving really popular.
"The support from UK Trade & Investment has been fantastic
over the years, firstly through the Passport to Export programme
for new exporters and more recently through the Advantage West
Midlands International Cluster programme to attend the King of
Prussia shows.
"Our international trade adviser, Paul Keeling, is excellent. He
advised us on how to set up our display stand, market and present
our products to overseas clients, follow up enquiries and close
deals, and he is always happy to help us if we have any problems or
queries.
"For the future, we're looking at new opportunities in the
Middle East, Japan and Australia.
"I'm confident the business will continue to grow and I'd like
to take on apprentices in the future to maintain the tradition of
making top quality saddles in Walsall."
UK Trade & Investment international trade adviser Paul
Keeling, based at Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "Patrick
has shown tremendous commitment in developing his overseas
markets.
"We at UK Trade & Investment are delighted to have played a
part in his success."
For more information about how UK Trade & Investment can
help your business expand into new markets abroad, contact the
international trade team at Black Country Chamber of Commerce on
Tel: 0845 872 4293.