Swimfin takes export award after landing record order

A COMPANY run by a former swimming instructor turned inventor and entrepreneur is gearing up for more international growth after landing a major prize.

Lancashire-based SwimFin, founded by Burscough-based Kevin Moseley, won  UK Trade & Investment’s North West Export for Growth prize, and will benefit from a package of support worth £5,000.

Mr Moseley, who re-mortgaged his house and cashed in his life savings to develop his unique swimming aid, has recently sealed his record order – 45,000 units from US retail giant Walmart.

The size of the Walmart order has prompted further investment in the company’s manufacturing facility in China.

He says: “We feel there is growing momentum for SwimFin. The Walmart order is a big boost for us – we were only able to fulfil less than half of what they wanted.

“As a result we’ve invested in production and agreed a licensing deal with an established  US company, Swimways, because of the sheer size and complexity of dealing with Walmart.”

SwimFin is a shark-fin shaped swimming support, and is the only vertical buoyancy aid on the market.  It is already sold in more than 70 countries.

Mr Moseley added: “It’s great to win this award from UKTI – we are not a big company with millions to spend on marketing and PR and it gives us credibility as we try and make in-roads with the buyers at the major department stores.

“SwimFin is affordable and beneficial.  Every pool around the world has some form of buoyancy equipment and there is no reason why SwimFin cannot reach the same global market.”

The business was one of 10 shortlisted for the award and will receive advice from banking group HSBC and business advisers PwC as well as UKTI.

Runner up was Vee24 from Prestbury, which has developed a technology which allows business to connect with customers by using high speed video to deliver real-time help and assistance via their websites.

Second runner up was FTF Sweets Ltd with a range of innovative sweets suitable for all.  Sold as Goody Good Stuff, the product is made from a plant based hydrocolloid which allows FTF to make gummy sweets without gelatine which are suitable for vegetarians, vegans, halal and kosher diets, and are free from gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, nuts and fat.

FTF Sweets already export to 25 markets, as well as selling to established UK shops such as Holland & Barrett, Ocado and Waitrose.

UKTI North West director Clive Drinkwater said: “The North West’s prosperity over the coming years will not stem from domestic markets alone.

“Across the world there are markets that are showing strong, long-term growth. I hope that this event will encourage others to spread their wings and benefit from international trade.  We want to make sure that the region’s firms are not just trading abroad but thriving there, and companies such as Swimfin, FTF Sweets and Vee 24 show that the future for North West firms is looking very bright indeed.”