Business First Issue2 Vol5 CH2:Layout 1 23/10/2009 14:32 Page 11
Trade News
Why wealth creation Replensis cleans
must be a priority up in export
David Raymond, a specialist on the field of export development,
Replensis, the Belfast company specialising in functional
argues that companies should now be focusing on trading their environmental furniture for the growing global trend towards smoke-
way out of recession.
free buildings, has won significant business in Europe..
N
ow that there are signs of recovery in some global markets, companies
The company is supplying its innovative ashtray planters to ‘blue-
both large and small, ought to be investing in sales and marketing spend.
chip’ clients such as Accor Hotels, Claridges Hotel and Grosvenor
This is the smart move. I know it’s tempting to hold back spending on
Houser Hotel, both in London, as well as Crowne Plaza Hotels, Hilton
export activities until the ‘green shoots’ of recovery are clearly apparent but this is
Hotels, Marriott Hotels and Radisson SAS. Other high profile clients
a false economy. Now is the time to be positive.
include Hugo Boss Store, Stockholm, Louis Vuitton and Kenzo, Paris,
Nobu and Gordon Ramsay restaurants in London.
As a community, we also need to be focusing on wealth creation and wealth
creators to provide the additional resources needed in areas such as health and
The company is also dealing with approaches for the distinctive
education.
planters from India and the Middle East.
There’s excellent business to be done in global markets. Companies that seek
Replensis was formed by Kyle and Ally Gallagher, directors of award
out different opportunities are the ones that will grow fastest in the new global
winning design company, SKG Landscape Design, specialising in the
economy that is emerging steadily particularly from the growth of India and
design of external spaces for the hospitality industry since the
China. How do they do it? They look at their product or service and then at the
introduction of the smoking ban in Ireland in 2004.
current client/market base. Then they look for opportunities in new markets for
The company has patented the intelligent cleaning system used on
their existing product/service or a new product/service that they can develop.
the galvanised steel planters, the manufacture of which is outsourced
Of course companies have got to continue to scrutinise their overall costs,
to a metal fabrication business in Latvia.
productivity, inventory and pricing strategies. They need to look closely at how
they can improve value for existing and potential customers. They’ve got to be
creative and find other markets to prospect in, look for different segments and be
prepared to diversify aggressively into these.
The key is to want to:
- increase exports;
- diversify and to be creative; and
- find new avenues for faster growth
Good economy or bad, this is the way to faster business growth. It means
investing perhaps scarce resources into the front-end of the operation – sales –
which has the closest contact with customers. Companies should take a long
hard look at their strategic sales operation to see if they have the right people
and customer-focused strategy in place.
Change is never easy but often essential. Companies driving change usually
need to move faster than is comfortable. This is because change, particularly in
family businesses, is usually harder and challenging. Worthwhile changes often
are.
Many smaller companies are prospering overseas, taking advantage of Invest
Northern Ireland and chamber programmes to change the way they operate and
to become more competitive. They are exploring opportunities from California to
China, and Brazil to Russia. We need many more to help create the wealth that
this community needs.
It’s time to put the recession behind us and to start planning for better days.
Ambitious companies here need to invest in growth. When it eventually gathers
pace here, hopefully sooner rather than later, the recovery will belong to those
businesses, large and small, which have positioned themselves and are energised
and focused on growth. Overall, Northern Ireland needs to become more
competitive than ever. And it needs to accept that wealth creation is a pivotal
activity. Creating wealth and opportunity are good for all.
A Replensis planter at the upmarket Nobu restaurant in London
Sentel builds on european export success
D
igi Inc is now a division of Sentel Independent the internationally Digi Inc’s step into the digital market was encouraged by research which
renowned telecoms management software service provider. Both indicated that the operating costs of paper, ink and fuel are set to increase
companies are driven by similar technologies which allowed a natural dramatically over the coming years, as well as a shifting trend towards digital
link to be made. Sentel and Digi Inc work on the same ethos providing advertising rather than traditional print.
excellent customer service to the end user. Sentel’s European exporting “The objective of the edisplay manager is to not only deliver exactly what
knowledge is now driving the growth behind Digi Inc, especially in the the retailer wants, be it to aid a purchase, build awareness, get the customer
Republic of Ireland market. back in the store for another visit, or reinforce branding but also to have the
Responding to market research on the changing face of advertising, Digi support of a managed service that can handle it all for them,” said Ger
Inc – a Carryduff based supplier of printing and advertising media, has added Connery, managing director of Digi Inc.
a unique digital offering to its list of services. The edisplay manager, an Digi Inc’s portfolio includes a wide variety of printing material and a design
electronically-managed, projector based advertising system, is set to consultation service to retail outlets, bars and restaurants throughout
transform the retail advertising sector, aiding efficiency and cost Northern Ireland and now has the firm target of the Republic of Ireland as a
effectiveness. new market.
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