Trade supremo praises manufacturing duo
THE new chief executive of UK Trade & Investment, the government body to help companies export, paid tribute to two local success stories on his first major visit to the North West.
Nick Baird, a former Ambassador to Turkey and a Foreign Office diplomat, met bosses from Sellers Engineering of Chadderton and Salford-based premium clothing manufacturer Cooper & Stollbrand.
Accompanied by Clive Drinkwater, regional director of UKTI North West, Mr Baird first met managing director Clive Gallagher, production director Gary Birney and staff from Sellers Engineering.
The company, which makes metal bins, containers and skips used by waste and recycling organisations, only began to investigate export opportunities two years ago and has since has achieved export orders of almost £350,000.
Cooper & Stollbrand, a family-owned manufacturer of quality outdoor clothing, makes garments for Aquascutum, Paul Smith, Holland & Holland and Purdey.
Director James Eden left a career in the City to join the company three years ago. Since then turnover has tripled to over £3m and employees have nearly doubled to 70.
Eden has been working closely with UKTI and is currently exploring new markets in the Far East with the help of the Gateway to Global Growth programme.
Speaking after the visits Nick Baird said: “Meeting regional manufacturers and seeing the excellent work they are doing is an important part of my role, and UKTI is committed to helping firms such as Sellers Engineering and Coopers & Stollbrand to achieve both individual success and to promote economic growth through exporting.
“Local growth is how we will strengthen our wider economy and improve our standing internationally, and UKTI want to ensure businesses of all sizes and in all sectors are able to access expert knowledge and practical assistance from UKTI to help them make the most of their overseas potential and support Britain’s future prosperity.”
