Oldham firm finds wealth of opportunities in Middle East
AN Oldham medical systems company is making sure its business stays healthy by expanding into overseas markets with help from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
Connect Medical Systems has recently moved to larger premises and employed more staff, which the company attributes to continual growth in export orders – almost 90% of the firm’s business is generated from overseas trade and it has recently landed orders in the Middle East worth more than £750,000.
The company was established almost four years ago and designs and manufactures a range of medical equipment including gas distribution systems for hospitals.
Directors David Wood and Adrian Todd both had previous experience in the industry, and were aware of the possibilities that existed in the global market – to date, they have secured orders in markets such as Malaysia, the Middle East, India and Mauritius.
Mr Wood said: “Connect Medical Systems provide quality equipment which meets all the latest standards. All our products are competitively priced and properly certified as medical devices.
“We decided at an early stage to concentrate on the export market, and have found that it is really worthwhile building up good relationships with customers and distributors overseas.
“Both Adrian and I have worked in the sector for many years and had a good feel for the export market, but we decided to contact UKTI because we wanted the additional support, and it is especially valuable to be able to use the expertise of staff in overseas embassies who have a real local knowledge of the markets.”
He said the company recently attended the Arab Health trade show in Dubai with UKTI last year and received financial support as well as help with the organisation and setting up of an exhibition on the UKTI stand.
“We would recommend other companies contact UKTI. Their staff overseas can offer enormous assistance with market research in unfamiliar countries, and the North West international trade advisers are always on hand with advice when necessary.”
Recent successes include a £250,000 order in Abu Dhabi to supply equipment to the Sheik Khalifah Medical City, projects for military hospitals in Saudi Arabia amounting to £500,000 worth of business over time, and a £100,000 contract in Mauritius via a Sri Lankan distributor.
