Nelson-based businessman launches Expert Import Handling

The businessman behind a Nelson-based supplier of health products has launched a new importing firm after spotting a gap in the market.

Ben Blackburn, who founded Blackburn Distributions in 2004, is hoping to help people more effectively manage their imports with his new venture, Expert Import Handling Ltd.

Blackburn Distributions repackages and distributes pharmaceutical, health and sports supplements, and Ben believes Expert Import Handling is the next natural step to help those who do their buying directly but have no importing expertise.

Commenting on his new business, Ben said: “The aim of Expert Import is to help people who are buying directly from the supplier – for example research facilities and manufacturers of health products – to successfully import the products by using our knowledge and expertise.

“The idea naturally evolved out of Blackburn Distributions and in the last few months we’ve started working with a number of profitable clients and following on from this growth we’re planning to add two more members to the team in the coming months.”

To get off the ground, Expert Import Handling received help from the Growth Support Programme of Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, Boost, which is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council, with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The fully funded Growth Support Programme is delivered by business support organisations Winning Pitch and Enterprise4all.

Speaking further, Ben said: “The Boost events were very informative and a good chance to improve our skill set – I came away with more ideas than I have time to implement – all of which will be helpful to us as a growing business.”

Winning Pitch’s head of entrepreneurial solutions, Rona McFall, said: “It’s clear that Ben knows how to run a business but he’s also a really good example of the benefits of refreshing and improving skills and knowledge to make sure that business can continue in the right direction and achieve its objectives.

“Often our programmes give people food for thought, ideas they might not have thought about or methods to help improve what they’re already doing well.”

Rona added: “We’re pleased to have been able to support Ben and his team.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →