Companies across Caerphilly County Borough are looking at growing their share of the UK export market following a recent Caerphilly Business Forum event.
As well as advice on how they can accelerate growth by tackling international markets, companies were able to hear first-hand from Business Wales about accessing One to One International Trade support and support available via Welsh Government and UK Trade and Invest (UKTI).
Tony Sheehan, Chairman of Caerphilly Business Forum, said: “Exporting is in everyone’s interest. Local businesses simply cannot continue to do well unless the whole country’s economy grows and as a forum we will continue to look at ways in which we can facilitate this.
“As well as making this growth possible, exporting allows companies to put their products and services to the test globally – thereby helping companies to ensure they remain competitive.
“On the other hand, UK-made products are also well-respected around the world and there is plenty of invaluable support available for companies looking to export through organisations such Business Wales, Welsh Government and UKTI.”
Among local businesses already benefitting from a growth in exports is Cwmfelinfach-based ISCA UK.
Established in 1998, the company manufactures and formulates specialty chemicals used for paints and coatings, cosmetics, construction, textiles, carpets, aerospace and mining by clients including Akzo Nobel, Rolls-Royce, Lufthansa, L’Oreal and Sainsbury’s.
ISCA UK attributes 90% of its sales to exports and has extended its network of distributors and agents to cover USA, Russia, Israel, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand over the past 24 months.
Antony Hudson, Technical Director at ISCA, said: “Exporting is vital to our continued success and this necessitates a clear and detailed understanding of our target markets globally.
“As a business we have seen an increase in demand for more environmentally-friendly, sustainable and natural products and this expertise is something we can share with other businesses looking to grow.”
Bon Bon Buddies, based on Oakdale Business Park, is also growing strongly on the back of its exports.
A provider of licensed character and branded confectionery, Bon Bon Buddies has developed a flourishing business in the Middle East and Europe.
In 2012, Bon Bon Buddies was one of only two Welsh businesses to be listed in the HSBC International Track 200 and was recognised in 2013 with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.
Mr Sheehan added: “Both ISCA UK and Bon Bon Buddies have achieved significant growth with ambitious plans for further growth.
The companies, both of which are winners of the Caerphilly Business Forum Awards, have demonstrated continued success in international markets and this is something we as a forum and borough can be extremely proud of.
“However, we would like to see more of this success and we will be looking at additional ways over the coming months in which this knowledge can be shared.”