An established Black Country timber firm is finding new markets
for its products in the Middle East, with help from UK Trade &
Investment (UKTI).
Palmer Timber was set up in 1916 and provides hardwood and
softwood timber and wood-based panel products to a variety of
industries.
The company, which has about 70 employees at its Cradley Heath
site, has exported mezzanine flooring worth £250,000 to the
United Arab Emirates since joining UKTI's Passport to Export
programme for new exporters a year ago.
Managing director Peter Kerr said: "We realised the potential of
the growing construction sector in this market, in particular for
sales of mezzanine flooring, raised access flooring and fire door
cores, but needed help from UKTI to maximise the opportunities.
"Thanks to Passport to Export, we developed an export strategy
and benefited from financial support to attend the Big 5
Construction Exhibition in Dubai, and have received specialist
advice on how to develop our website for international markets.
"We also commissioned a number of Overseas Market Introduction
Service (OMIS) reports from UKTI's commercial teams at the British
Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
"All these UKTI services led directly to us finding new clients
in the market, and we've achieved sales of about £250,000 to
the region over the past year.
"We are planning another visit to the UAE next month (May) to
follow up excellent leads from UKTI's Britain in the Region event
in Dubai, which we attended last November.
"The help from UKTI has been outstanding, especially the advice
and support from our international trade adviser Maggie Neale. She
helped us devise our export strategy, advised us on cultural and
legal issues in the market, and also assisted with the wording of
letters of credit to ensure safe receipt of funds."
UKTI international trade adviser Maggie Neale, based at Black
Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "Palmer Timber has an excellent
product and a commitment to developing internationally. This,
combined with the strategic planning, research and support
available via UKTI, has proved to be a successful formula.
"The management team's willingness to embrace working practices
associated with new markets will ensure sustained growth in the
future. I look forward to working with Palmer Timber and
congratulating them on their success for a long time to come."
UKTI's Passport to Export programme provides a package of
support for new or novice exporters, including a free export health
check, attendance at an export workshop, assistance in formulating
an international trade strategy and funding towards implementing
this strategy, quality training and mentoring advice and access to
the full range of UKTI services.
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
0845 002 1234.