inspire
BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES
INTERNATIONAL TRADE Exporting food for thought
Export markets are a major opportunity for firms of all sizes, and Business West provides a range of services to help you go global
Your export journey will be mapped by four simple steps offering strategic 1-2-1 support to help you succeed.
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Step one - whet your export appetite In order to access a suite of tailored support, we need to know a little more about your company. Complete a short questionnaire so that we can gain a fuller understanding of your business requirements. To take the questionnaire visit
www.businesswest.co.uk/export-solutions/foodex
ight now, the demand for quality UK food & drink products overseas is on the rise, and the Chamber can help you tap into this world of opportunities.
Step two - nibble in new markets Submit your company information and product images for the online directory. This information is sent to buyers, business partners and trade officers in your target markets so that we can find the right sales opportunity for you. To download the template to submit your company information, visit
www.businesswest.co.uk/export-solutions/foodex
Step three - feed your export sales We will give you your very own account manager to take you through every step of your journey. Our team of 50 advisers have years of commercial and international experience and will be able to tackle all the pitfalls to help you achieve success.
Step four - exhibit at our virtual trade fair Build your company presence online at our virtual Food & Drink Trade Fair (optional extra with a small cost associated). Create a 3D immersive environment for buyers all over the world to access your company information and product brochures by joining us on our 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year trade show, all from your desk!
Am I eligible? This bespoke programme is for businesses that have a registered address in the South West of England only. Any company who produces or supplies to the food and drink sector
may join the programme for bespoke support from a range of services and advisers.
Euro triumph for Bristol’s Pitchmark
Bristol-based Pitchmark will be celebrating this summer, whatever the outcome of Euro 2016. The family run business manufactures and distributes line marking paint and equipment and is supplying all 10 stadia at the European championships. Euro 2016 is the latest in a list
of major sporting tournaments that Pitchmark have been involved in others include the Confederations Cup 2013, World Cup Brazil 2014 and European Super Cup Final 2015. The company was founded in
2010 by husband and wife Mark and Sue Rodman. Mark was a groundsman and horticultural engineer and was inspired to investigate ways of making the job of line marking less labour intensive following a knee operation ten years ago. Darren Rodman, marketing and business development manager explained: “There is obviously a
14 insight SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
lot of walking involved in marking out a pitch, and following his knee operation this was something that Mark struggled with. He worked with a paint manufacturer to create a ready-to-use product that gave the level of coverage needed but using less paint, reducing the amount of time spent returning to refill machines. It’s also more cost effective. “When Mark saw how much
more efficient the system was he decided to set up his own business. Sue has a background in finance so manages the business side of things. My brother Tim came on board as operations manager in April 2011, and I joined the business in July 2011.” Pitchmark was launched as an
export only business, with its first contract coming from Australia. Today the company, which is on target for a turnover of £1 million in 2016, is still primarily an exporter – with 80% of its businesses coming from overseas customers.
The Pitchmark team in action This strong emphasis on export
has led to the business building a close relationship with the Department for International Trade (DIT) - Mark and Sue first approached them when they launched the business for advice and support on trading overseas. Darren said: “DIT has provided
us with a massive amount of support over the past six years. From the initial advice and guidance from our dedicated trade adviser to access to various courses, and of course funding, they have played a key role in the
success of the business.” Pitchmark’s foray into the international sporting arena is providing a platform for further growth, with North America and Asia on the company’s radar as potential new markets to explore. Darren said: “Our involvement
in Euro 2016 and the other international tournaments has opened up huge opportunities. For a small family company to be involved in these prestigious sporting events is a real coup and raised our profile in a way we just couldn’t have done alone.”
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