Last week saw UK Trade and Investment run its sixth annual Export Week. In support of the campaign, Coast to Capital's Chief Executive, Ron Crank, made visits to two enterprising local businesses - Ridgeview winery and Delinquent Interactive Ltd - with exciting opportunities to expand through international markets.
Ridgeview Winery manufactures fine sparkling wine in West Sussex and in recent years has seen a boost in sales through international trade. Since receiving support from UK Trade and Investment, the winery has increased production from 30,000 to 250,000 bottles and exports now account for 20% of its turnover.
General Manager Tamara Roberts said the majority of the success has come from Scandinavia where there is not an indigenous wine industry. The winery has also seen much success in Japan.
Ridgeview has benefited from a Coast to Capital Business Growth Grant that has improved its bottling power and created further opportunity to expand its export portfolio.
Delinquent Interactive are a mobile game developer based in Brighton. Established earlier this year the small team has set out to create a game that can be played across the world.
There is a huge overseas market for mobile games especially in the East. China is expected to see the largest growth in the market during 2014.
Founder, David Amor said "With games you can look at a map of the world and see who is playing, where and at what time. There's more money being made in Eastern markets then the West, though it's always dangerous to assume that games will be more successful".
Delinquent has received a £100,000 Business Growth Grant from Coast to Capital to enable them to take on the required staff to get the project up and running.
Following his visits, Ron Crank said: "It was a great opportunity to meet two very different but exciting exporters our region. It is encouraging to see first-hand that the Business Growth Grants are making a real difference in helping small British companies compete in international markets."
SUBSCRIBE
