Export champion acdc helps new exporters during UKTI visit

More than 60 delegates from companies from across the UK are heading to Dublin as part of the largest Export Insight visit organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

The trip is part of a drive by UKTI to stimulate economic growth by introducing more companies to exporting – and Barrowford company acdc will be joining the delegates in order to share their knowledge and encourage other businesses to emulate their success.

The Export Insight visits aim to provide an affordable way to introduce businesses to the principles of international trade, and help them expand their business horizons.

Antonio Parente from acdc will be supporting the visit by giving a presentation to the novice exporters explaining how the company has achieved such international success that it became one of UKTI North West’s first Export Champions last year, as part of a drive to encourage growth by recruiting some of the region’s most successful companies to share knowledge and expertise and informally mentor less experienced exporters.

He said: “I will be talking to companies about our export journey and will be available to answer any questions the businesses may have.  The importance of exporting to our business cannot be overestimated. 65% of our turnover currently comes from overseas trade, with the expectation that this will grow even more in the future, and we are pleased to be working with UKTI on this visit to help other companies to achieve their export ambitions.”

acdc designs and manufactures specialist LED lighting systems for prestige developments around the world, and currently has an export turnover of £7.5m.

The company has provided lighting for the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the Atlantis Palm Hotel in Dubai, Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam, Finninge Roundabout in Sweden and the GPO building in Sydney, Australia, and employs 100 staff in Barrowford.

It exports to over 50 countries worldwide through a network of more than 60 agents and distributors. The company has just completed a £1.5m contract to provide the lighting for a new shopping centre in Kuwait. Other Lancashire companies attending the visit include A&F Sales Marketing andControlla Covers from Darwen, Nelson-based Loft Leg Ltd, The Mawdsley Consultancy from Chorley, Leyprint and Solartree from Preston and Burnley-basedGareth Story Associates.