York speaker manufacturers eye overseas markets

York speaker manufacturer, Damson Audio, has broadened its export market with deals in 12 countries in less than two years.

Since launching in January 2012, Damson Audio, which designs and makes premium portable speaker systems, has secured export deals the likes of the USA, South Africa, Australia and Italy.

Chief executive James Talbot is now preparing to turn the company into a global brand as he steps up negotiations with new markets, including Southeast Asia.

James founded the company after realising there was a gap in the market for high-quality portable wireless speakers, and Damson’s first product, the Cisor, was launched in April 2012.

The company then benefited from the support of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in bringing the product to a wider audience. UKTI provided Damson with market insight and advice on exporting to the USA through its Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS).

Damson went on to exhibit at the world’s largest consumer technology show, CES 2013 in Las Vegas, as a prize for winning UKTI’s ‘Tech Start-Up of the Year 2012’ competition, enabling them to showcase their products to traders from all over the globe.

Damson’s range now encompasses three different speakers, with its flagship product, the Pearl, being unveiled this summer. It is thought to be the first speaker system in the world that boasts wireless split-channel stereo across paired devices.

James said: “Our aim is to become one of the world’s leading speaker brands, recognised at home and abroad. Sales this year are already significant, and we are hoping to grow them even further over the coming months.

“Although we have achieved a lot on our own, UKTI have been a huge support to us in identifying the right people for us to speak to in new markets, and ensuring our efforts were focused on the most appropriate channels. In addition, having UKTI in our corner really added weight to our discussions with distributors and retailers.”

The company currently has eight staff based around the world, including in the USA, Hong Kong and China, and four staff working from its York headquarters. On top of its international success, Damson has also secured deals to sell its speakers through British airports and independent retailers around the UK.

Mark Robson, regional director of UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Damson Audio is already a real Yorkshire success story and looks set to become even bigger. We are delighted to have played a part in helping them bring their products to a global audience.

“Many local businesses find that breaking into new markets abroad can open up a host of opportunities if it is carefully researched and managed in advance, and as James has found, UKTI’s support can make a big difference. We hope other businesses in the region will be inspired by Damson’s story and find out more about the export opportunities available to them.”

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