Member Article

Teesside drinks firm toasts success of virtual export manager

A Teesside drinks firm has toasted the success of UK Trade & Investment’s Virtual Export Manager programme after it helped the company tap into a string of new markets.

The project, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is celebrating its first year having supported 18 companies across the region.

Among those who have benefited from the scheme was Thorncroft Drinks, of Eaglescliffe, which specialises in making cordials and successfully launched a new range of carbonated, soft drinks that use natural ingredients.

Managing director Guy Woodall signed up to the Virtual Export Manager when he realised he did not have the necessary resources to capitalise on the many export opportunities that existed. The company was then matched up with experienced export manager Piero Alberici, who has more than 15 years experience of successful work in international sales and marketing.

Piero helped the company develop an action plan to raise the profile of Thorncroft Drinks and promote the product in several key new markets, including the USA, the Far East, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Mr Woodall said: “In the last nine months we’ve extended the number of export markets to 18 and we’re confident that within the next two years export sales will account for more than half the company’s turnover. “We could not have achieved so much in such a short period of time without the aid of this scheme. I was able to tap into an experienced resource, so we could hit the ground running and follow up all the overseas interest in an effective manner.”

The project, managed by UK Trade & Investment’s Regional International Trade Office in Durham, targets small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) who can take advantage of up to 30 days support over a period of six months, although this is flexible and tailored to suit the company concerned.

To find out more about the Virtual Export Manager programme and the range of services offered by UK Trade & Investment call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .