A Tamworth manufacturer of electrical and lighting products has won new business worth about £600,000 in the Middle East, with help from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

Through its CLICK brand, Scolmore International, based at Lichfield Road Industrial Estate, specialises in lighting products, wiring accessories, switches and sockets, mainly for the construction sector.

Seeking a proactive approach to new markets, in January 2010 the company turned to UKTI and joined the flagship Passport to Export scheme, which it has recently completed.

Export sales manager Jerome Leve said: "Before we contacted UKTI, our exports were limited and reactive. We were sure that we had the right products to export, but we needed a more strategic approach.

"Through Passport to Export, we visited a number of countries in the Middle East, including a construction trade mission in Qatar, which was a great showcase for our products and has opened the door to potential new projects.

"We also commissioned Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) reports from UKTI's commercial teams at the British Embassies in three Middle Eastern markets.

"These were hugely helpful because they put us in touch with the right people. We appointed distributors identified by the OMIS reports in all three countries and over the past year, we have sold products worth about £600,000 as a result.

"The overall support from the commercial officers in each country was superb, and we have received excellent advice and support from our international trade adviser, Rob Lawley."

The company is also exporting across Africa and launching its brand into Nigeria at a high-profile event at the British High Commission in Abuja next week (7 April), with help from UKTI's commercial team.

Established in 1989, Scolmore International has 60 employees and an annual turnover of approximately £20m.

International trade adviser Rob Lawley, based at North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Scolmore is a fantastic company to work with. The team are an excellent example of how organisations should strategically approach potential export markets and then commit to visiting the countries to secure sales.

"I'm sure that working with UKTI their export sales will continue to grow as they tackle new markets in the coming months."

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 North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce on 01782 202222.