Liverpool Fishing Rod Firm Lands Overseas Deals to Beat the Crunch
A Liverpool-based fishing rod manufacturer has seen a £50,000 increase in turnover after working with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). Harrison Advanced Rods, based at the city centre’s Brunswick Business Park, has now opened new markets in Poland, Croatia, Greece and the USA.
Dr Steve Harrison established the business (a “hobby which got out of control”) in 1989 and believes it took off because of his willingness to say ‘yes’: “What set us apart was our flexibility – we were willing to work with partners to develop the kind of rods best suited to their markets.” Over the past 20 years Harrison’s has grown to employ seven staff, produce 15,000 rods each year and carry out specialist engineering work for the likes of the telescope industry.
Harrison Advanced Rods signed up for Passport to Export, UKTI’s flagship programme for new and inexperienced exporters, and worked closely with their ITA Margaret Bourke to establish contacts in their chosen markets.
Dr Harrison first approached UKTI with a view to gaining financial support for a trade show in Amsterdam, but said: “In actual fact that soon became the least important part of it. The quality of the advice being offered by my International Trade Adviser (ITA) surprised me; I was expecting someone with no experience of my business to tell me how to do my job, but it was not like that at all. These were very experienced people who could advise me on what to expect in Russia and Japan – markets I had little experience of at that time.
“When you talk with your ITA you talk about every aspect of your business and it is the devil’s advocacy that they bring to the table which is important. I have now recommended UKTI to several of my colleagues in the trade.”
Dr Harrison believes the increase in exports is just the beginning, and states that the new international markets now established, combined with the weak pound, will lead to further export growth. Exports have also been vital in buffering his firm against the present economic trials, he said: "December 2008 was our best ever December and this was mainly as a result of increased exports. We are better positioned to take the domestic dip because we have established new markets overseas. Being an exporter means no matter how depressed the home market, there is demand.”
Margaret Bourke, International Trade Adviser for UKTI Northwest, said: “Harrison Advanced Rods had a very strong sense of where they wanted to be in terms of overseas trade locations. We were able to assist financially at first, through part-funding for a trade exhibition, but then it was more a case of offering advice on local business customs and the idiosyncrasies of individual markets."
“UKTI can offer a wide range of assistance to companies wanting to build trade in emerging markets, including advice on everything from market opportunities to product liability, intellectual property rights, managing agents and distributors and finance. It also delivers a comprehensive programme of overseas trade missions and UK-based events such as Meet the Buyer. We would urge any other companies looking to develop their overseas trade strategy to get in touch and see how we can help.”