AMESTARDAM: Woolly Shepherd is to start exporting to the US after securing a fresh deal with a Netherlands retailer. Woolly Shepherd, which produces woollen panels for acoustic damping, has tripled its turnover since securing its first deal with Dutch e-retailer Zilenz in 2016.
The company currently exports 15 per cent of its products to Europe and is expecting to increase this to 25 per cent in the next three years. Tim Simmons, managing director at The Woolly Shepherd, said: “We’ve come a long way since launching the business seven years ago. Starting with just two members of staff, we now employ eight people and export to many different countries.
“Exporting has always been an integral part of our growth plans. But, for a small business like ours, it can sometimes be hard to find the headspace to focus on international growth. Our trade advisers at DIT have supported us every time we’ve secured new orders in foreign markets. The team has provided clarity on business culture, import rates and regulations for each country we’ve targeted.
“The U.S. is our next target and we’ve already received great advice from DIT on how to approach American buyers. The best tip I’d give to businesses looking to export would be to seek guidance from expert organisations to help navigate the process, particularly if you’re short on resources. If we can do it, so can many other local firms.”
The company currently exports to eight countries within the EU including Austria, France and Italy. Paul Shand, South West regional director at the Department for International Trade, added: “Demand for UK goods in the Netherlands is booming, making the opportunity for British businesses huge. It’s encouraging to see local companies like The Woolly Shepherd experience such success in the Netherlands, tripling its profits in the country in just 18 months.
