Following our recent Export Action Plan showcase at GTR UK, we spoke to each of our competition finalists about their plans for export success.
Company name: Devanet (UK) Ltd
Website: https://devanetbelts.co.uk/
Representative: David Webster
What does your company do at the moment and what’s next?
We manufacture metal hardware, leather goods and bespoke jewellery. We continually attempt to develop innovative and unique products.
How are the exports going?
Our exports are growing every year, currently at 10%. Our focus is changing towards specific target markets including the GCC, the USA and Continental Europe.
How has the Export Action Plan helped with your exports?
It creates a focus on key issues, makes you think about what actions are required to develop potential.
How have you found the experience of the final today?
It creates a focus on key issues, makes you think about what actions are required to develop potential.
What tips would you give to other new exporters?
- Undertake research into the market competitors and barriers to entry
- Ensure the product offering meets the quality standards for each market.
About Devanet
Devanet UK Ltd, commenced as a limited company in 2014, prior to that it was a trading partnership providing engraving services and engraved gifts. The company initially imported finished belts, then having metal components made offshore as no one in the UK would produce locally economically. Because of varying quality, difficulties in obtaining smaller quantities to satisfy demand, it was decided after 6 months extensive research to design and manufacture a range of products inhouse.
Some 5 years down the line, with continuous investment of all the profits in equipment and processes, Devanet has established itself as the only UK designer and manufacturer of custom-made branded buckles, metal components complemented with belts who can offer the complete package inhouse.
In the last 2 years, new facilities and staff have enabled the company to broaden our capability in jewellery design and bespoke commissions for metal products. New modelling software, rapid prototyping 3D prints with STL(Stereolithography) technology within 48 hours of design approval is just one example of the services we offer. CNC Machined or cast items can be created depending upon their complexity in solid brass, bronze or sterling silver. The ability to undertake virtually any design, produce a UK product offers greater opportunities for UK companies to source products locally.
Export enquiries and orders from Australia, Europe, Middle East and the USA have created the environment for the company to design products that have worldwide potential. Devanet now has an agent representing the company’s interest in the Gulf States, and a company in the USA phoned this week to source our products. Small beginnings, but with the 3 new unique product lines currently in the final stages of completion will create the impetus to develop a viable export led business.
