Poppy’s adventures continue overseas

A North East clothing manufacturer, which bases its designs around a little girl and her adventures, has sent her overseas to explore new export markets with the help of UKTI.

Teesside-based Poppy Ltd, which makes clothes for children and adults, has seen its exports increase by 30 per cent since engaging in the Passport to Export Service, which saw UKTI help it put together a detailed export strategy that included attending a series of overseas exhibitions in order to gain international exposure.

In addition Poppy used the Virtual Export Manager (VEM) project allowing the company to utilise the talents of a qualified export professional, with the necessary skills and experience in its sector to maximise the support provided. With the help of Nina Rudnick as their VEM, Poppy attended exhibitions in Amsterdam and Florence and marketed itself at the New York Gift Fair which was a resounding success for the company resulting in potential business opportunities.

Nina was able to plan and organise the company’s visits to the exhibitions, right down to travel itineraries to ensure maximum benefit was gained and pressure taken away from Poppy’s management staff.

Bryony Richardson, Director of Poppy Ltd, said: "Thanks to the help we received through the Passport to Export and VEM service, we have been able to establish a successful selling platform in the USA. We now have more than 20 stockists and a US-based agent to represent our brand in the States. The response has been excellent.

"Overall, the export side of our business has increased by at least 30 per cent – largely thanks to the support of Passport to Export.

"While we remain committed to British manufacturing wherever practical – most of our clothing is manufactured in the UK – the UKTI assistance helped us to find a manufacturer for our tights in Turkey, which we are very happy with, as well as a knitwear supplier in Romania. I am confident the latter will be up to our high standards, which is of course a key consideration when dealing with new suppliers."

Jeff Bean, one of UK Trade & Investment’s International Trade Advisers, who has worked closely with the company, said: “Being able to use our advice and support has made a massive difference to the company allowing them to travel to a greater number of exhibitions than they expected. Having Nina as their VEM has provided the additional bonus for the company as without Nina they wouldn’t have been able to maximise the opportunities to the extent they have.

“Using this extra resource to make the most of opportunities generated, is how VEM can be a really useful integral part of a company’s export strategy.”

Contacts

For more information about the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas contacts:

North East International Trade Team

Tel: +44 (0) 845 05 05 054

Email: [email protected]

You can also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/UKTINorthEast.

Find your nearest International Trade Advisor via our postcode search facility in “Contacts in your region”.

Story links

Poppy Children

Virtual Export Manager

Passport to Export

Sectors: Clothing & Footwear, Fashion Design, and Wholesale & Retail
Countries: Italy, Netherlands, North East England, and United States
Export Action Plan