A struggling Leicester firm that were saved by exports to Japan,
are urging other local companies to explore Asian markets, at the
largest international trade event ever held in the region.
The UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and RBS Doing Business in
Asia: Meet the Experts, at the Barcelo Hinckley Island Hotel,
Watling Street, Hinckley on 25 November, will bring together
businesses and UKTI directors with expertise in China, Hong Kong,
India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South
Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam to give local companies the
chance to find out the secrets to export success.
Highland Club, based in Melton Mowbray, have exported to Japan
since 1999 with the majority of sales being made in the UK and
Italy. But as business declined in their two core markets Director
David Mumford took action in 2007 and contacted UK Trade &
Investment to get help with growing the business in Japan. This
market now accounts for 95% of their sales.
Armed with customer contacts, provided through an OMIS report,
David hired a suite at a five star hotel in Tokyo and arranged a
private exhibition to display the company's chunky winter knits to
his new contacts.
For David the experience has saved his business. He said:
"We already had customers in Japan but meeting them face to face
in their country increased their orders with us immediately. We
also won several other large contracts. The Japanese market now
accounts for 95% of our total sales.
We now head out to Tokyo once a year to meet potential customers
and show them our products and Japan is the most consistent market
for us - they really like British goods and appreciate the quality.
We've been out for the last three years and we couldn't have done
it without the help and assistance from UK Trade & Investment.
International Trade Advisor Suzy Bolton continues to give us a lot
of help and still gets in touch with anything she thinks could be
of interest to us.
"I'd strongly recommend local businesses to attend the meeting
on 25 November as it could open up a whole new world of
opportunities."
Peter Hogarth, UKTI International Trade Director, said: "This
event is not to be missed by anyone wishing to do business in Asia.
It is one of a series which have had a real impact on hundreds of
businesses in the region.
"A quarter of attendees at similar events in 2009 have already
increased business in Asia as a direct result of what they learnt
or who they met, and a further 67 per cent are expecting to do so
within the next three years. In addition, a recent UKTI market
visit to Japan produced predicted business for the next 12 months
of just under £2 million, illustrating the potential for
Leicestershire businesses."
The event, one of eight across the UK, is aimed at companies
which are new to Asia and want to find out more, or are already
active and want to dig deeper. It takes place at the Barcelo
Hinckley Island Hotel, Watling Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire and
costs £50 + VAT, if booked before 22 October, or £75 +
VAT thereafter. A special rate is also available for members of
UKTI partner organisations.