Dedicated To Promoting UK Business, Export & Trade News.
April Issue -2018
Chemian Technology announces ambitious US expansion plans
Beijer Ref grows in UK and Ireland together with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mercato Solutions Claim Top 100 SME Innovative satellite tech company invests in the UK space sector
Northern Powerhouse businesses say bonjour to global exporting with
Paris trade mission
Chemical
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Contents 03
Chemian Technology announces ambitious US expansion plans
06
CD Enviro
07
A Solution To The Worlds Pothole Problem
Darlington-based insect repellent manufacturer Chemian Technology has announced a double digit increase in annual sales on the back of a robust exporting
Environmental waste specialists make the Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100
Instarmac Group is the company behind the success
09
Monometer Melting, Refining and Related Processes
10
Beijer Ref
11
California Deals See ABHI Forge Deeper U.S Relations
12
U.S. Expansion Planned as P3 Medical Ltd Continues to Grow
13
Mercato Solutions Claim Top 100 Spot
Over the past two years, Monometer has commissioned a number of installations, including metal melting equipment and related processes
Grows in UK and Ireland together with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
The association of British Healthcare Industries (aBHI) has partnered with Southern California’s leading business accelerator oCTaNe
Landmark announcements for Bristol-based P3 Medical Ltd with the acquisition of Stericom Ltd, their first US product development deal
Birmingham based Software development company achieve exponential growth through international sales
14
Outplay Entertainment
15
Innovative satellite tech company invests in the UK space sector
17
The TALL Group expands its export credentials and stands head and shoulders above the rest
Outplay Entertainment’s tower defense strategy game, CASTLE CREEPS TD, has been named the Best Strategy Game at TIGA Awards 2017
SatixFy, the satellite communication technology company, has gone from strength to strength since setting up UK operations
Another major recognition for the Cheshire based technology experts
19
Xceed Group Celebrates Success
20
Northern Powerhouse businesses say bonjour to global exporting with Paris trade mission
Continual growth of international business is their key to success
North-East businesses meet prospective importers, distributors and buyers from across the globe
A worldChemical of infinite opportunities. For me, this is the beginning of a very exciting journey. Almost 4 months since the idea was conceived, I would like to welcome you to the very first edition of UK Trade News. You might be curious or excited about what your about to read and watch in the following twenty-odd pages, so I’ll use this moment of your time to give you a small taste of what’s to come. Our opening edition covers news articles from 5 different export sectors; chemical, manufacturing, medical, environmental and technology. We also include news from the Department for International Trade and being a digital magazine, we also feature a video from the Department for International Trade ‘If We Can You Can’ campaign. So why digital? Being digital means being visible and being relevant. The world is huge, and through digital, you can open a door to a world of infinite opportunities. UK Trade News incorporates mobile, web, e-publishing, video marketing and social media to promote UK business, export and trade news to the world. »» Available in over 155 countries. »» Promoted through LinkedIn to more than 1.5 million foreign business leaders. »» Website translated into 14 different languages. »» Available across the top 6 social media platforms; LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Google+
Thank you for your support. I hope you enjoy this magazine. If you wish to connect with me on LinkedIn, you can do so by clicking here. For any media enquiries, feel free to email me directly. Matthew Pearsall, Publisher
Editorial Editorial contributions must be emailed to news@uktrade.news, with a high-resolution image and/or video link. Editorial and advertising contributions must be received by the 15th of the month. We accept no legal responsibility for any drawings, photographs, videos or literary contributions during transmission or while in the publisher’s hands. No responsibility is accepted for any editorial errors. Opinions express in editorial content do not necessarily represent the views of Clickability Limited, and no responsibility is accepted by Clickability Limited for advertising or editorial content.
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Chemical
Chemian Technology announces ambitious US expansion plans Darlington-based insect repellent manufacturer Chemian Technology has announced a double digit increase in annual sales on the back of a robust exporting strategy, supported by the Department for International Trade (DIT).
In the year to date November 2017, the UK exported over £12 billion of pharmaceutical products.
Watch: Chemian ‘If We Can You Can’
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The company has grown between 20 and 30 per cent per annum over the past five years after successfully targeting a range of European and South East Asian countries. It now intends to enter the American market to consolidate its growth over the next decade. Chemian Technology develops and manufactures ingredients for the pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic industries and has worked with DIT on several occasions to win exporting contracts. The company’s main export is Citrepel®, a highly effective insect repellent produced from natural essential oils which has been shown to outperform synthetic repellents in most tests*. The success of the company’s international expansion is being celebrated in DIT’s Exporting is GREAT campaign. The campaign showcases 30+ businesses – from a range of sectors and regions – to inspire and support
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businesses up and down the country to export. Ian Dell, Managing Director, Chemian Technology, said: “Exporting has always been of fundamental importance to Chemian Technology since I founded the business in 1996. Most of our turnover currently comes from overseas sales and we now sell to more than 30 countries worldwide. “DIT has specifically supported us when we’ve entered new markets, and the advisers have been able to give us tailored support around our niche sector. For example, they have helped us overcome language barriers by introducing us to translators and interpreters with strong scientific and technical credentials. “Now we are actively working to ensure that we’ve met all the regulatory requirements to launch Citrepel in America. DIT’s support and on-the-ground experience of its advisers will be invaluable.” “Exporting is certainly not an easy process but I’d encourage every company with an innovative product to do what we’ve done and look overseas for growth.” British chemical and
pharmaceutical companies are proving to be highly successful overseas with demand for their trusted products and services constantly increasing. In the year to date November 2017, the UK exported over £12 billion of pharmaceutical products. David Coppock, Regional Director for the North East at the Department for International Trade, said: “Based in Teesside, Chemian Technology is successfully taking its products to the world. “It’s an innovative, home-grown success story that proves that companies that export have everything to gain. “We know that language barriers are one of the biggest things holding companies back from exporting, but our work with Chemian Technology shows how easily this can be overcome with the right support. “The Department for International Trade has International Trade Advisers on the ground throughout the North East who provide specialist support and guidance to ensure that companies can truly achieve their potential in Europe, North America and many other continents besides.”
Firms looking for support should ring 0300 365 1000 or email northeast@mobile.trade.gov.uk. They can also visit great.gov. uk, which has more than 1,600 live export opportunities currently listed and includes general information on exporting and events.
Chemical
IF WE CAN YOU CAN Join the thousands of UK businesses like Chemian Technlogy that are successfully selling overseas. Visit great.gov.uk
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Enviromental
CD Enviro With continued success in international sales over the past year, we’ve made the Sunday Times Lloyds SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) Export Track 100, published on Sunday 25 February 2018.
Our high placing in the Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 over the past three years is a great sign of how we’re moving towards our vision of ‘turning our world green’
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As well as supplying technology to our clients in the UK and Ireland, we export our recycling systems to Europe, Australia and North America with business development teams dedicated to each region. Our Chief Operating Officer (COO), Marc Jennings said, “We are proud to be exporting waste solutions across the world.
Our technology is not only safeguarding our customers’ businesses but also creating resources and revenue from products that would otherwise go to landfill. Our high placing in the Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 over the past three years is a great sign of how we’re moving towards our vision of ‘turning our world green’.”
Manufacturing
A Solution To The Worlds Pothole Problem
Instarmac Group is the company behind the success.
Instarmac International have perfected the properties and characteristics of UltraCrete Permanent Pothole Repair over the last 40 years, making them a world leading manufacturer of cold applied pothole repairs for asphalt pavements and expressways. Roads are becoming increasingly congested
and more susceptible to damage. Local governments, municipalities and highways authorities have a duty to ensure that road networks are kept in a safe and efficient state and with budgets tighter than ever before, a first time permanent repair has never been needed more. UltraCrete Permanent
Pothole Repair is a first time permanent repair which has been continuously developed over the past 40 years and used all around the world with excellent results. It’s used on a daily basis in all climates, from the snow bound island of Hokkaido in Japan, to the tropical monsoon hit roads of Malaysia, in the freezing cold Scandinavian winters,
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Manufacturing
the heat of the Namibian desert and the temperate climates of Europe. There are many cold lay asphalt repair products available, but Instarmac International backs up its technical claims! Strength is gained by compaction, becoming stronger the more traffic travels over it, making it perfect for heavily trafficked roads and areas of turning and braking. Due to its hardy nature, UltraCrete Permanent Pothole Repair is also suitable for repairing damaged asphalt in car parks, footpaths, cycle paths, railway stations, driveways, docks, distribution centres and sports stadiums – potholes don’t just appear in roads! With a skid resistance value (SRV) of > 88, UltraCrete Permanent Pothole Repair provides a safer repair for cyclists and other road users as the repair is compatible with the existing road surface and offers maximum grip for tyres – even in wet weather! Applied in 3 easy steps – clean, pour, compact – UltraCrete Permanent Pothole Repair can be applied in all weathers – it can even be used in freezing temperatures. What’s more, potholes repaired with UltraCrete Permanent Pothole Repair can be trafficked instantly making it ideal for environments where delays and disruption are not an option. This innovative material conforms to rigorous European Testing, has been independently tested by the British Board of Agrément and is proven to be a quality, flexible and durable
solution for first time, permanent pothole repairs. UltraCrete Permanent Pothole Repair is available for you to manufacture under license. Instarmac Group plc is a UK company who are behind its enormous success. With licensee’s worldwide already manufacturing 3 million units of this technology every year, this is an unmissable opportunity to build a profitable business. Being an Instarmac Licensee allows you to manufacture a truly global product in your own country. When you become an Instarmac Licensee you will gain rights to manufacture Permanent Pothole Repair in your own protected territory and will receive advice on manufacturing plant layout, sourcing local aggregates plus training of your production operatives. You will also receive promotional material and marketing support whilst getting tailored customer support from your own Instarmac representative. Not sure becoming a licensee is for you? Instarmac International are also seeking ambitious distributors to build a successful business selling their proven, durable and quality products and systems. You could be the premium distributor to your own government departments, contract and commercial markets all with the help of your own experienced team. Instarmac International have 30+ partners worldwide – are you interested in joining their growing family?
For further information on UltraCrete Permanent Pothole Repair and Instarmac’s exclusive licensing and distribution opportunities, please contact their team of experts by emailing international@ instarmac.com or by calling +44 (0) 1827 254402.
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Specification ingot production from Monometer Rotary Furnace
Manufacturing
Monometer Melting, Refining and Related Processes Over the past two years, Monometer has commissioned a number of installations, including metal melting equipment and related processes. Furnace equipment has been designed by Monometer to operate over a wide range of temperature and humidity, ranging from -40 deg C in Russian winter conditions to + 40 deg C at 100% humidity in parts of Malaysia and India. In addition to the melting furnace, such equipment includes filtration, burner
control systems and material feed chargers. Various innovative projects have incorporated Monometer refining equipment, including iron, copper and lead processes, performing significantly above traditional methods in terms of
increased yield, thermal efficiency and furnace productivity. For example, in copper refining from Birch-Cliff to high purity copper, a 6-tonne capacity Monometer tilting rotary furnace will typically cycle in 4 - 6 hours; 3 tonnes of scrap iron may be melted, alloyed and tapped in under 120 minutes, and 10 tonnes lead battery scrap may be processed through the furnace in under 5 hours. Monometer designs include the furnace charging system, gas diffusion technology for the refining process, slag systems, oxy-fuel burner system, and exhaust filter complete with settler, as well as the fluxing agents injector, and consumable spare parts. Monometer offers comprehensive onsite support, ranging from turnkey management or installation support, to short training packages targeting metallurgical performance. All Monometer clients benefit from being kept up to date with the latest equipment software updates and expert process support.
For more information on this or Monometer products please contact Dr Christopher Hall PhD, FICME, Monometer Holdings Ltd, Monometer House, Rectory Grove, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2HN Tel +44 (0)1702 472201 Fax +44 (0)1702 715112 Website www.monometer.co.uk
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Manufacturing
Beijer Ref
grows in UK and Ireland together with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
3D Plus will be developed over time into a market leading brand for the sale and distribution of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ products.
A joint venture has been formed between Beijer Ref AB and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning Europe, Ltd (MHIAE). The new company is the result of Beijer Ref getting the rights to distribute Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ air conditioning and heat pump assortment in UK and Ireland.
to us and we continuously look at different ways of growing our market share with key partners. The technical expertise of MHI, and the distribution expertise of Beijer Ref, will be integrated to have a broader and more complete offering to the customers through this joint venture.”
Malmö, 12 March 2018 Beijer Ref is the majority owner of the joint venture, which will be named 3D Plus Limited (3D Plus). The joint venture is an outcome of Beijer Ref’s strategy to work closely with its main suppliers. Besides getting exclusive rights to distribute Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) air conditioning and heat pumps in the UK, Beijer Ref will be one of the main providers of the products in Ireland.
3D Plus will be developed over time into a market leading brand for the sale and distribution of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ products.
Per Bertland, CEO of Beijer Ref AB, commented: “The UK and Ireland markets are important
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Masayuki Fujinami, Managing Director of MHIAE, commented: “MHIAE and Beijer Ref have had a successful relationship collaborating in the Scandinavian market for many years. Through the formation of this joint venture, we are
happy to be moving beyond a traditional manufacturer and distributor relationship and to joining our two companies together in a way that will allow us to harness our respective expertise and experience jointly. MHIAE regards 3D Plus as a symbol of this integration and it will receive the full support of the MHI Group.” “It is our intention that 3D Plus will quickly become a similar size business to other Beijer Ref distribution channels in the UK. The MHI brand already has a strong market position which is a great platform for future growth. This joint venture further strengthens our partnership and we look forward to seeing the progress of 3D Plus”, Per Bertland concludes.
For further information, please contact: Per Bertland, CEO Telephone +46 40-35 89 00
Medical
California Deals See ABHI Forge Deeper U.S Relations The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) has partnered with Southern California’s leading business accelerator OCTANe and the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce in a strategic three-way collaboration, to provide trade s upport for HealthTech companies.
The partnership will see UK companies connect with one of the US’s most diversified technology communities in Irvine and the wider Orange County area, to develop their market entry and growth strategies.
ABHI CEO Peter Ellingworth said: “This particular district of Southern California is a real Health Technology hub and we are actively exploring opportunities for British businesses in the area. By creating these sustainable two-way
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Medical
trading bridges, HealthTech companies can bring significant benefits to patients on both sides of the Atlantic.” Through its International Membership scheme, ABHI will also support California-based companies navigate the UK’s healthcare market, to help drive growth and investment in the UK. OCTANe’s business expansion programmes provide advice and guidance as well as access to capital for growth stage companies. Commenting on the news, OCTANe’s President & CEO, Bill Carpou added: “By connecting ideas and people with resources and capital, OCTANe has created one of the nation’s most dynamic ecosystems for driving technology growth. We are uniquely positioned to link UK companies to this environment and to help guide them as they explore this world-class marketplace.” The announcement follows a recent business tour to the UK by OCTANe and the Greater Irvine Chamber. Linda DiMario, Greater Irvine Chamber’s Executive Vice President, charged with Economic Development & Tourism added: Following our second visit to the U.K. in February, we are excited to more concretely establish a working relationship with ABHI, its membership and the UK’s HealthTech community. Irvine/Orange County is at the core of Southern California’s world-renowned life science industry and the epicentre for medical device and health care innovation. We hope that this agreement will encourage UKbased companies to explore, connect and engage with the region as they consider expansion into the U.S.” These two strategic relationships add to ABHI’s comprehensive US market entry programme, which has seen the association develop partnerships with key business groups in America’s most important centres for commerce. In November 2017 the association announced its Innovation Hub at Austin’s Dell Medical School and 2018 sees a series of trade missions to Texas, California and Pennsylvania.
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U.S. Expansion Planned as P3 Medical Ltd Continues to Grow 2018 has seen several landmark announcements for Bristol-based P3 Medical Ltd with the acquisition of Stericom Ltd, their first US product development deal and the news that they will be entering the ABHI Innovation Hub in Texas. The Hub is a unique partnership between the UK’s medical technology trade association, the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), and the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. It provides UK companies with the infrastructure to strengthen market access and clinician engagement in Texas and beyond. P3 Medical Ltd are the sixth company to join the Hub and have long-term plans to up-scale their stateside activities. “This is a great opportunity for us as a company, especially with our recent acquisition of Stericom Ltd which has a lot of US potential,” said Simon Talbot, P3 Medical’s Managing Director. “We have also just signed our first product development deal with a leading US academic hospital for a new airway device and have real scope to grow a number of our other products across the USA. Being part of the Hub
allows us to be in a world-class facility, within an ecosystem of clinicians, investors and mentors whilst we grow our American business.” P3 Medical Ltd manufacture a range of high-quality medical and surgical devices including equipment drapes and covers, disposable surgical accessories and single-use anaesthesia and airway management devices. Stericom Ltd will be run as a stand-alone division of P3 Medical, whilst maintaining operations form their Chesham facility. In addition, P3 Medical Ltd will be taking part in ABHI’s next mission to Texas from 3rd to 9th March. The mission’s objectives are to help UK companies reduce the time to profit and to enhance growth and return on investment in the USA.
Technology
Mercato Solutions Claim Top 100 Spot Each year, a list of Britain’s 100 small and medium-sized companies (SME) with the fastest-growing international sales is complied by Fast Track and published in The Sunday Times.
Mercato Solutions, a software development company based in Birmingham has entered the competition for the first time and claimed 2nd place. Alongside Mercato, there were another twelve companies based in the Midlands which achieved exponential growth in international trade. With an average international sales growth of 197.09%, a total sale of almost £6 million and a team of 101 people, Mercato have been recognised globally as digital transformation experts. Four core independent platforms developed by the West Midlands company can re-shape and transform businesses of any scale with fast turnarounds. With these platforms, companies can create unique marketplaces, rapidly build complex
enterprise applications, provide advanced CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) systems, price benchmark to save organisations on IT procurement, time efficiency and business productivity. IBM and Lenovo have closely worked with Mercato in building pre-sales configuration software and artificial intelligence tools that allow them to work effectively and continuously innovate their processes and systems. Marketing Director at Mercato, Simon O’Carroll comments on the success of the company: “Everyone at Mercato has been working very hard to innovate and create disruptive technologies that can be adopted by companies of any size worldwide. Following our latest successes, we have structured a Partner Program which aims to collaborate with resellers, independent software vendors and referral partners to further extend our reach into overseas territories. We are very excited to continue the good work and expand further in the upcoming year.”
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Technology
Outplay
Entertainment
Outplay Entertainment’s tower defense strategy game, CASTLE CREEPS TD, has been named the Best Strategy Game at TIGA Awards 2017. CASTLE CREEPS TD has proved popular with gamers worldwide and racked up two million downloads within the first five days and has now surpassed six million. CASTLE CREEPS TD has topped the charts as #1 Strategy Game in over 60 countries, and has been featured on the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon Appstore. Now on Chapter 36, new content updates are released fortnightly - the world of CASTLE CREEPS TD
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continues to expand at rapid pace. Richard Hare, President of Outplay Entertainment, comments: “We’re extremely proud to receive the accolade of Best Strategy Game, at the TIGA Awards 2017, and would like to thank our players for making it such a success. Our talented team work hard to continually evolve the user experience, and provide new game updates and characters fortnightly. We kick off a great month with the introduction of Aleah, a new hero that is
the latest edition to the everexpanding world of Castle Creeps TD.” Aleah, the newest hero to land in the critically acclaimed world of CASTLE CREEPS TD, is a juggernaut on the battlefield, outfitted in armour blessed by the church. Her ferocity is matched only by her piety. Her dedication allows her to perform miracles like summoning divine blades to fight for her, periodically shielding nearby allies preventing damage, or even revive nearby fallen heroes.
Download CASTLE CREEPS TD,
available now free-to-play:
Apple App Store: http://bit.ly/cctdios Google Play: http://bit.ly/cctdgps Amazon Appstore: http://bit.ly/cctdamz
Castle Creeps TD Trailer:
https://youtu.be/CsLZlwWYNJo Press Kit: http://bit.ly/CCTDPK
Technology
Innovative satellite tech company invests in the UK space sector SatixFy, the satellite communication technology company, has gone from strength to strength since setting up UK operations in August 2016, after being established in Hong Kong, with its first design centre in Israel, in 2012.
With the support of the UK Space Agency, Innovate UK and the Department for International Trade, the company now has 77 full-time employees in Farnborough and Manchester – out of 150 worldwide – and attracted a further $20 million of investment. Having developed its innovative technology, SatixFy UK is now selling its products. Just 18 months after being established, the company’s
customers already include some of the world’s largest satellite operators and satellite manufacturers.
centre in Manchester designs space-hardened silicon chips for satellite payloads with a first chip for on-board-processing.
The company received funding to develop revolutionary flat antennas which could have applications in the Internet of Things market, connecting vehicles to the internet, as well as for user terminals for the upcoming Low Earth orbiting (LEO) constellations. The company’s new development
Graham Stuart, Minister for Investment at the Department for International Trade, the UK government’s international economic department, said: “We are delighted with the success that SatixFy have enjoyed since opening their UK operations. They are a ringing
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Technology
endorsement for the compelling offer the UK presents to innovative, ambitious companies seeking to grow and compete successfully in the booming global space market.” Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:
The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy sets out a clear vision for the UK to become the world’s most innovative nation and we are working with industry to capture 10% of the global space market by
2030
“SatixFy UK is an excellent example of how working together we can bring investment to the UK, attract new engineers to work in the space sector and support innovative space companies to become really successful here, whilst driving significant export opportunity. “The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy sets out a clear vision for the UK to become the world’s most innovative nation and we are working with industry to capture 10% of the global space market by 2030.” SatixFy UK has received a commitment for funding of more than €30 million, for several programmes, from the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Satellites (ARTES) programme, which transforms research into successful commercial projects. The UK is the largest funder of the programme which is designed to support industry by funding the demonstration of advanced technologies, systems, services and applications in a representative space environment. Craig Brown, Innovation Lead for Space at Innovate UK and the UK’s Delegate to the ESA ARTES Satcom programme, said: “SatixFy’s story is an excellent example of how Innovate UK, the UK Space Agency and the Department for International Trade use the support tools at our disposal to attract companies to set up and grow
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in the UK. The UK offer goes well beyond our ability to co-invest in projects; we work hard to ensure that the whole value chain is well connected, is collaborating and is coinnovating. “I look forward to seeing the fruits of SatixFy’s early success and would also encourage any other technology companies wishing to establish and grow in the UK to get in touch.” SatixFy UK is investing €15 million in its UK centres and other UK contractors including Cadence and TVS. Likewise, SatixFy UK has formed a new joint venture with Singapore Technologies Engineering (STE), which will see STE invest $20 million to develop and sell commercial Aero antennas for the In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) market while ownership of the technology remains in the UK. Yoel Gat, CEO of the SatixFy Group said: “Becoming an integral part of the UK space industry, with the support of the UK authorities, has been one of the most successful business decisions SatixFy has taken. The level of support and goodwill we have received from the UK Government was very important for us. Within a short period of 18 months, we have been able to establish two successful design centres and design our first chips. “Within two years from our starting point, we will already be selling our products. We plan to continue to grow our UK infrastructure and use it as a base for our future electronically steered antennas and satellite payloads product lines.”
Technology
The TALL Group expands its export credentials and stands head and shoulders above the rest Back in 2000, the thought that the TALL Group could become a major exporter may have been a pipe-dream. With the appointment of a new Export Manager, the Group looked to build on its UK expertise in securely-printed documents and broaden its horizons.
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Technology
Now some 18 years on, as major suppliers of international security printing, the longstanding reputation of the TALL Group, for highly secure and top-quality print products and services, has encouraged organisations around the world to rely on a committed work force in the UK to provide a wide range of secure documents. Distance has proved no obstacle when time sensitive documents are required. The Group’s three production facilities in Runcorn, Hinckley, and Lisburn (NI), combined with many years’ experience of effective international air and sea shipping arrangements, have ensured that customer requirements are always met. Government Departments, Electoral Commissions, Universities and Banks across Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean provide a growing list of customer references. These include ballot papers and voting lists for National and Regional Elections, Treasury documents and certificates, cheques, drafts and dividend warrants, and a wide range of fully personalised and highly secure degree certificates for many prestigious international universities. The TALL Group has well established local representatives in many international markets, and regularly hosts inward visits to view design and production facilities. This level of export business has resulted in a series of awards and commendations. TALL were awarded ‘International Business of the Year’ in 2016 by Halton Chamber of Commerce; shortlisted for the ‘Made in The North West’ Export Business award and ‘Highly Commended’ in the High Sheriff of Cheshire
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Business Awards Export category in 2017. The latest major recognition means that the TALL Group is celebrating after being placed 6th in the Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 list this week. The list outlines the 100 UK small and medium sized enterprises with the fastest growing international sales. The TALL Group has undertaken a number of successful projects over the last two years, including the supply, in 2016, of 20 million ballot papers for Uganda’s general election, helping exports hit £3.8m. Martin Ruda, TALL Group’s Managing Director, commenting on the recent achievement said “We’re delighted to be featured on this renowned list alongside very illustrious company. It’s proof that our strategy for growth, which has a very important international aspect, is working well. “We’ve taken on some very high-profile and complex contracts over the last year. They have allowed us to demonstrate the skills in designing, printing and finishing major projects through the work of our brilliant dedicated teams across our three sites. I’m very proud to lead this Group of experienced individuals who give everything each day to make sure we help our clients and their customers succeed.” The league table ranks Britain’s SMEs by fastest growing international sales. Liam Fox, International Trade Secretary, commented in the Sunday Times: “As the SME Export Track 100 shows, small businesses are the driving force behind the UK’s export growth, and we are committed to helping more companies go global.”
The latest major recognition means that the TALL Group is celebrating after being placed 6th in the Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 list this week. The list outlines the 100 UK small and medium sized enterprises with the fastest growing international sales.
Technology
Xceed Group Celebrates Success The Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export Track 100 ranked the top one hundred of Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses, with the fastest-growing international sales over the last two years. Xceed reached 23rdposition in the table. The continual growth of Xceed Group’s international business is due to success across all of its business areas, including IT Infrastructure Transformation, Banking Platform Modernisation and Managed Services, spanning across the US and Europe. Xceed Group UK Leadership Team
Xceed Group is a leading IT Management Consultancy, specialising in technology enabled business change for FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 clients, across financial services and public sector markets. The company focuses on delivering complex change across major banking platform modernisation and IT infrastructure transformation programmes. The company has helped implement some of the largest Financial Services IT modernisation programmes. Board Director and Founder of Xceed Group, Gary Stewart commented: “To be recognised as one of the fastest growing SMEs for international business for the third year running is a huge achievement for Xceed Group. I am extremely proud of the company for its continual growth, attributable to the outstanding reputation we have in our marketplace.”
In the US, Xceed, amongst other projects, is leading the implementation of a completely new banking platform for a global bank, which will enable it to meet future business requirements. The company has enjoyed further international success in Europe, working with regional divisions of global banks to deliver complex modernisation programmes in various locations across Europe. John Casserly, CEO of Xceed Group, shared: “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the success of British businesses thriving internationally and I am delighted Xceed Group is part of that. We are continuing to help our clients to deliver technology enabled business change in more and more locations both in the UK and internationally.”
“Xceed Group has huge ambitions to grow as a business and recently partnered with innovative Fintech firm, First Performance, to bring a ground-breaking cards engagement platform to the UK and European markets. With encouraging initial interest, including a number of European based card issuers, this is a big area for our expansion. We are currently implementing this solution for a European card issuer.” Chairman, John Turner concludes: “I would like to thank all Xceed employees, whose relentless focus on providing the best service we can for our clients has been rewarded with this recognition. Our practitioners have the specialist skills and experience to deliver successful outcomes, which is key to our continued success throughout the globe. As we grow and expand all areas of our business, I look forward to the continued future success of the company.”
Commenting on Xceed’s future plans, John comments
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Trade
Northern Powerhouse businesses say bonjour to global exporting with Paris trade mission A number of North East businesses visited the renowned international lifestyle trade show, Maison & Objet, in Paris, as part of a Northern Powerhouse trade mission to explore export opportunities.
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Organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT), the mission saw 15 of the region’s businesses meet prospective importers, distributors and buyers from across the globe. The biannual four-day event is the flagship international event for the home decor, interior design, architecture and culture sectors. Businesses from the North East met with agents; attended workshops and seminars on doing business in France; and visited Parisian boutiques and department
stores to gather insight into doing business in the country. For Saltburn-based Light Up North, a specialist in El neon wire wall art designs, the event was an opportunity to network with likeminded North East businesses, to make new global contacts and to learn about the practicalities of exporting. Emma Krause, Co-Founder at Light Up North, said: “Social media is a key sales driver for us, and over the last
Trade
two years we’ve built up a worldwide fanbase, so we know that there’s a massive potential to sell our creations in overseas markets. “We jumped at the chance to visit Maison & Objet with DIT. It was a money-can’t-buy experience to attend a worldfamous event. I’d learnt so much about exporting from the other businesses on the trip before I’d even got on the plane! “In the next year we’re looking forward to working with the contacts that we made at the trade show to grow our exports. DIT will play a big role in helping us on this journey too. They’ve already been invaluable in helping us to nurture relationships with buyers and to increase international sales.” David Coppock, Regional Director for the North East
at the Department for International Trade, added: “This trade mission was a great opportunity for businesses across the Northern Powerhouse to learn about a new marketplace, meet with specialists and more importantly, build networks and speak face-to-face with valuable contacts. “In the 12 months to September 2017, businesses in the North East saw goods exports increase by 8.4% to £12.7bn. “We know exporting to new markets is not without its barriers, but we have a team of 19 dedicated advisers in the North East, ready to work with
businesses to overcome these. Anyone thinking of exporting to new marketplaces should get in touch and find out more about how we can help.” As part of its Exporting is GREAT campaign, DIT is currently showcasing 30+ UK businesses – from a range of sectors and regions – to inspire and support firms up and down the country to export. Businesses looking for support should ring 0300 365 1000 or email northeast@mobile.trade. gov.uk. They can also visit great. gov.uk, which has more than 1,600 live export opportunities currently listed and includes general information on exporting and events.
Companies can find information and a current list of opportunities through visiting Great.gov.uk or contacting: DIT North East E: northeast@mobile.trade.gov.uk T: 0345 136 0169
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