Eastern
Gloucester-based Prima Dental Group is being heralded for its export prowess following a sales increase of nearly 400 per cent since 2001, thanks entirely to overseas business in the USA, China, Japan and Korea. Beacon South West has commended the company for its phenomenal export sales in China and ambitious plans for expansion into India.
Sue Baker, director of Beacon South West, explains: “Only two per cent of Britain’s exports currently go to India and China[1] despite the fact that these are some of the world’s most rapidly growing economies. British companies, such as Prima Dental, that can get to grips with these unfamiliar cultures could reap huge trade and investment opportunities.
“The Government’s UK Trade & Investment has identified a range of key sectors where Chinese and Indian demand for British expertise is likely to be strong. The list includes many of the South West’s areas of strength such as aerospace, advanced engineering, ICT, and emerging sectors such as the creative industries, biotechnology, envirotechnology and healthcare.
“One of my passions is that the regular Beacon Boardrooms, which provide a forum for Beacon companies from all sectors to share their knowledge, expertise and skills, will inspire those gathered to pursue fresh ideas and ultimately bring new revenue streams to the regional economy. Prima Dental is an example of a company that is willing to share best practise and guide other businesses to rich rewards overseas and we are really grateful for their contribution to the network.”
Richard Muller, managing director of Prima Dental Group, explains: “China was first identified as a market suitable for exploitation three years ago. In order to make the dream a reality, we identified a potential partner and negotiated a distribution agreement and ambitious sales targets. Since that time, we have visited the distributor on several occasions and have together developed and engineered a new range of drills to target a further market opportunity. Our sales in China are expected to grow a further 130 per cent over the next two years.
“In the middle of 2006, we began thinking about exporting to India. From a list of more than 100 prospective distributors, we assembled a shortlist of six and met a select few at a dental exhibition in New Delhi. We will choose our distributor in the next couple of months and then agree sales targets and launch dates. We are already planning to develop a new range for this market - tailoring the product to meet specific local demand is a major element in our export success.”
In the last six months, the employer of more than 100 and Beacon company since February 2005, has also begun manufacturing products for Russia and Poland, using the same detailed qualification process and face to face meetings in the target market.
Muller concludes: “As a result of our overseas growth, we have employment opportunities for gifted engineers who are looking to work in a niche sector and help us continue to produce and develop innovative high quality products for the global market.”
Beacon South West, an initiative devoted to nurturing high-growth companies in the region, wants to encourage other South West companies to find out more about exporting to new markets and to explore the practicalities of building a business far from home. To support this aim, Beacon South West recently hosted an event on exporting in conjunction with the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service and the UK Trade & Investment.
Sue Baker concludes: “I have spoken to several Beacon companies, such as Prima Dental, who are already capitalising on emerging markets and the message is from them is definitely focus on this area now or miss out in the long-term.”
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Kelly Davis or Claire Walford at Bray Leino PR, Tel: 0117 973 1173
cwalford@brayleino.co.uk
Date of issue: 5 April 2007
Beacon South West brings together some of the South West’s most forward thinking and ambitious companies to promote success and spearhead the growth of the region.
A key business initiative of the South West of England Regional Development Agency, Beacon South West is an award given to those companies who can demonstrate outstanding achievement across a range of criteria, including significant improvements in productivity and performance, profitability, work culture and innovation. Beacon South West members play an important role in cultivating enterprise excellence in the region. Further information is available at www.beaconsw.org