A Norwich company specialising in all types of polythene packaging has bagged some new contracts overseas after working with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to increase their exports.

Sefton Transmail, part of STM Packaging Group, is celebrating winning a trial order worth £10,000 in Sweden after completing the Passport to Export programme, UKTI’s flagship scheme for new and inexperienced exporters – and believes that much bigger orders are just around the corner.

The company produces everything from polythene film, courier and despatch bags, sacks and envelopes to charity bags and a special trademarked Poly-Tough™ range which is thinner but strong enough for heavy packages, cutting transport costs and storage space as well as reducing carbon footprint and being 100% recyclable. Other new ranges include Spectrum® coloured polythene mailing bags available in 8 shades from Perfect Pink to Tangy Orange.ves on transport cost. As well as the reduced carbon footprint this produces, Poly-Tough™ is also 100% recyclable

Exports currently make up approximately 5% of the company’s business but Luke Farrant, Business Development Manager, hopes to increase that to 10% in the near future.

The business, which employs 46 people, has been established in Norwich for many years, starting life as Wegener Transmail and changing ownership seven years ago before becoming STM Packaging Group, of which Sefton Transmail is a part.

Until recently international sales were only a marginal proportion of the overall turnover, but since working with UKTI the company has actively targeted overseas markets and now has Denmark, Finland and Norway in its sights.

Sefton Transmail commissioned OMIS (Overseas Market Introduction Service) research into each of the markets to help them identify business opportunities. OMIS reports use experienced UKTI staff working in Embassies and Consulates in each country to provide background information and sector research; find potential partners, customers, agents or distributors and even perform introductions and set up face to face meetings.

Luke Farrant, Business Development Manager for STM Packaging Group says,

“A few years ago we did very little exporting, apart from occasional business with Ireland, but since working with UKTI we have become more committed to expanding our sales overseas.

“I have worked with our International Trade Advisor, Leszek Wysocki, to identify potential markets, and UKTI has undertaken detailed research on our behalf in each of our chosen markets, which has been invaluable.

“My job would have been much harder if I had needed to approach each market myself with no contacts and without the help and experience of UKTI staff overseas, and we have saved time and money by being prepared.

“In addition, Leszek has been incredibly helpful throughout. I was new to exporting when I first approached UKTI and I was given assistance with everything, from how to approach overseas customers to how to decide which markets to tackle and how to deal with accounting issues and export documentation.

“I would recommend any company thinking about exporting to contact the UKTI team.”

Leszek Wysocki, International Trade Advisor for UKTI East said,

“Sefton Transmail has shown great determination to increase its export business, and this commitment has been crucial to its success.

“The business has taken care to thoroughly research each market in conjunction with UKTI and, as well as the recent trial order for Sweden, STM has won new business in its existing market, Ireland, following an OMIS report and has very good prospects of securing contracts in Denmark in the near future.

“I am very proud to work with the company and am looking forward to continuing to help them increase their exports in new markets.”

UKTI hope to increase the number of British companies who export from current levels of 20% to over 25%. By increasing the number of companies who export by roughly a quarter, around £36 billion could be added to the UK economy.

Sefton Transmail

Passport to Export

OMIS

Contacts

If you are based in the East of England region and are interested in developing your business overseas please contact:

UKTI East of England International trade Team

Tel: + (0)845 641 9955

Email: info@uktieast.org.uk

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