A Sandiacre-based company which supplies educational equipment such as woodwork lesson tools and plumbing tools to schools in Africa has been commended by the Secretary of State for International Development and highlighted as a successful exporter by trade experts, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

On a visit to Eagle Scientific, Andrew Mitchell said that the company was leading the way in working with African governments to ensure schoolchildren have the right tools to learn.

Chris Foster, UKTI International Trade Advisor said:

"Eagle Scientific is a great example of a local company which is exporting its products in order to grow and has had success in many other African countries, which is why we recommended that the minister visited them.

Geoff Swainson, special projects manager at the firm said:

"We've been working with UKTI for well over a decade now and in that time have built up a great relationship where we regularly discuss forthcoming opportunities and trade missions, our most recent were to Angola and Mozambique which helped raise our profile and gave us new business leads. Our latest £7 million contract to equip vocational training schools for the Algerian government is another result of our 30 years experience exporting to developing countries.

We really value the support we've had from UKTI, as they have helped us get to grips with potential new markets, advising on new business and embassy contacts, not to mention the cultural considerations when dealing with overseas clients, particularly when it comes to liaising with a foreign Government."

Mr Mitchell also highlighted the potential for educated young people to start their own businesses from their vocational training, which will create jobs in their local communities, and trade Africa out of poverty.

Andrew Mitchell said:

"Education is central to creating the wealth that helps people to pull themselves out of poverty. Educated young people are much more likely to seize entrepreneurial opportunities which increase business and trade in their communities.

"Companies like Eagle Scientific are seeing a dual benefit from working with the developing world. Not only are they able to supply high quality goods to people in need but they are also able to employ people from the Nottingham area."

Tim Johnsen Managing Director of Eagle Scientific said:

"It was a pleasure to meet the Secretary of State for International Development and show him the work we do supplying educational medical and vocational equipment to developing countries. Our company helps developing countries to train young people whose skills are vital to a growing economy. It also helps the Nottingham economy by employing over 30 local people."