Member Article

Burnley company knows What More is needed to boost exports

Clive Drinkwater, Regional Director of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) North West, has visited homeware experts What More Ltd in Burnley - a firm recognised as an Export Champion.

Mr Drinkwater’s visit came as part of Export Week, the bi-annual national event which forms part of a drive to double UK exports to £1 trillion by 2020 and get 100,000 more companies exporting.

Established in 1999, What More UK Limited has grown rapidly to become the UK’s largest manufacturer and brand leader of plastic housewares, gardening and storage products, under the brand name WHAM. The business employs 180 people in East Lancashire at its Burnley premises.

Five years ago, the company’s only export market was the Republic of Ireland, and Director Tony Grimshaw began to work with UKTI North West International Trade Adviser Peter Thompson to try to increase overseas trade and improve profits.

Today, What More’s products are recognised all over the world and it currently exports to 48 countries, including the Far East, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA, although Europe, and particularly France and Germany, are its main markets.

This year the company has been chosen as one of UKTI North West’s Export Champions - businesses who will inspire and motivate those new to international trade, both by promoting the benefits of export via their own successes and by sharing knowledge and experience and mentoring smaller companies.

Mr Drinkwater discussed with What More’s directors the company’s export strategy for the year, as they toured its manufacturing and distribution plant in Burnley.

What More Director Tony Grimshaw said,“What More’s export turnover is currently 14% and is still growing. We are investing in the business and have recently significantly invested in new production facilities, with the final stages due for completion in the next three months, giving 450,000 square feet of production and distribution.

“It is incredible, considering that five years ago we were barely exporting, and Peter Thompson has been an incredible help to us, always on hand with advice and information.

“We have completed the UKTI courses including Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth, and by maintaining a positive attitude are now successful exporters.

“We have used our networks well, and would encourage any other companies looking to expand overseas to do the same. UKTI have really helped, as have the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and the British Home Enhancement Trade Association.

“However, you also have to be determined as a company, and be prepared to make the investment in terms of time, money and commitment.

“We are happy to be working with UKTI as Export Champions, and would urge companies not to be defeatist before they start, but to seek out the available help and explore opportunities overseas.”

Mr Drinkwater said, “In the North West, our Export Champions are an integral part of our strategy. They are all businesses who will inspire and motivate those new to international trade, both by promoting the benefits of export via their own successes and by sharing knowledge and experience.

“We recently achieved our target of reaching 1000 new exporters in the North West over the last year, and I believe our Export Champions have helped us reach our goal.

“As diverse as these companies are, they all have one thing in common - their positive attitude and pro-active approach to seeking new export orders which make them inspirational ‘Export Champions’ who will become a beacon to inspire non-exporters to get started and to encourage new exporters to do more.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .