Exporter ‘moulds’ brighter future
William Beckett Plastics has received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2009 and Best Overseas Investment accolade at the annual Yorkshire Forward and UK Trade and Investment ‘Going Global' Awards.
The plastics company has a close working relationship with the SYITC, something that managing director and founder of the company, William Beckett, attributes to its export achievements.
William said: "The support we have received from the SYITC over the years has been invaluable. The straight talking and focussed advice we have received has led us to achieve fantastic export figures.
"We have liaised directly with Renate's team at the SYITC who have been instrumental in helping us to access substantial public funds to help us to break into the Mexican and North American markets. The centre has also helped us to launch new products into Europe through trade shows in Hannover.
"Around 83 per cent of our annual turnover is export as we trade with over 40 countries worldwide, so it is a vital part of our business.
"I believe that the awards are also testament to the hard work and dedication of our 50- strong workforce."
Founded in 1972, the company started exporting products in 1990, concentrating on Europe. Soon after, they began to deal with the North American market, which is when they sought advice from the trade centre.
The SYITC - a partnership of Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce - provides solutions in international trade, offering a comprehensive portfolio of services including business expansion plans, market research, trade opportunities, language services, export sales training and a comprehensive export documentation service.
Renate Halton, head of international trade at SYITC, said: "William Beckett Plastics is a shining example of what can be achieved in export. Manufacturing is very important for our region and these awards show that export can be a lifeline to many companies who, by seeking out new markets, can begin to buck the trend of recession."
"At SYITC we look forward to helping other businesses to reach their full export potential."
Anyone interested in the SYITC and its services should visit http://www.syitc.com/
