Success Stories
 

Many London companies are still enjoying growth through overseas sales, and this section of the site shows how companies have overcome barriers, and benefitted from the wide support available to grow their business internationally.

Hear from Successful Exporters

Dexela Ltd were the winners in the International Innovation category at the 2008 Passport to Export Awards. See how UKTI helped them achieve a new contract in Sweden.

Opta Sports Data

Opta specialises in the collection and analysis of sports data and sells to more that 13 countries worldwide. Hear about their experiences.

Avanti Communications

Avanti Communications, the UK’s only fixed satellite operator, and one of only eight in Europe, has used a tour of British Embassies to help launch its first Europe-wide satellite, HYLAS One.

Avanti approached UKTI in order to access overseas markets and, on the advice of International Trade Adviser Ian Paterson, embarked on a series of events at overseas embassies in 12 different markets through the OMIS service.

Avanti CEO David Williams said:

"UKTI is the only central point you can go to if you want to talk to anyone in Europe - contacts, embassies and trade representatives everywhere. It makes a real difference when you can send out invitations that say ‘The British Embassy invites you.

"UKTI’s 'political clout' has proved very important during these visits. The venues used included several ambassadors’ residences and the British Ambassador’s Palace in Rome, whose high-class factor was a big part of making the evenings successful."

Of London ITA Ian Paterson’s help, David added:

"It was great to have a UK contact, Ian Paterson, who knows everyone and could guide us as to the relationships we were planning. Ian provided contact information, introductions and made contact with people after the events. He also raised issues that needed sorting out. The OMIS service fleshed out our initial research, as second-hand research can never be as good as having intelligence direct from someone in the country."

Ming Foods Ltd

Ming Foods Ltd is an innovative London-based thin pastry manufacturer, specialising in crispy duck pancakes, spring rolls, samosas and other snacks.

Managing director Sam Duong approached the UKTI stand at the World Food Market in November 2005 to discuss the company’s overseas potential.

After speaking to London International Trade Adviser Robert Furse, Sam decided to take the first steps towards exporting and as part of UKTI's Passport to Export programme for new and inexperienced exporters, decided to undertake an Export Communications Review.

Sam cites the objectivity of the ECR as its principal advantage. The review also emphasises the importance of translating product specifications and price lists into the language of the target market. Sam also mentions the information from trade facilitation body SITPRO he was given at a UKTI event as being essential in underlining the importance of having an overseas "tool kit" at hand for overseas visits.

Sam said:

"Through Rob Furse, UKTI provided a handrail, guiding us, as a young company, to acquire the experience and competence needed to deal with an international market, beyond the cultural connections that the company already had. Financial support came through schemes such as TAP (Trade Show Access Programme), as well as Passport to Export.

"We found the advice and encouragement provided, and the networking opportunities afforded to us via functions and events invaluable."