Salford scooter firm eyeing up new markets in US

Salford-based Swifty Scooters is planning to expand and is accelerating sales in the US over the next five years.

 
The company, which produces foldable adult kick-scooters, began exporting when it launched in 2010. Overseas sales now account for 40% of the business’ annual turnover.

Swifty Scooters has been working with advisers dedicated to North West businesses at the Department for International Trade (DIT) since 2015.

The DIT has helped the business to build relationships with new exporting partners in a number of overseas markets.

The company currently exports to Japan, South Korea, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. It is now looking to expand its offering to the US.

Jason Iftakhar, managing director of the firm, said: “Our overseas customers love anything with British branding.

“As our scooters are predominantly used outside, we are continuing to target consumers in sunnier climates, which now includes the US.

“We’ve been working with a DIT adviser in the US who has been helping with our business strategy and pointing out the different ways of working overseas including regional taxation regulations and how to actually find suitable partners.

“DIT has also helped with company checks in new territories, supported us on a trade mission to South Korea and Japan and advised on changes needed to our products to meet overseas regulations.

“Most companies like ours have a global presence thanks to the internet, so we plan to continue reaping the benefits from exporting and hope other businesses realise that if we can do it, so can they.”

Paul Stowers, North West Acting Regional Director, the Department for International Trade, said: “Swifty Scooters is a great example of a local company successfully growing thanks to exporting and from what we’ve seen, as a lot of passion in creating a strong business model.

“Businesses in the North West exported over £28.8bn worth of goods in the year to September 2017. We know exporting often comes with complexities, but we have a team of dedicated advisers across the North West around the world, ready to support and provide guidance to overcome these potential barriers to ensure a success exporting journey.

“Anyone thinking of starting their exporting journey should get in touch and find out more about how we can help.”