Nuala is no slouch on US exports
A LANCASHIRE businesswoman is targeting the US market with her “slouch mat”, a mouse mat for uneven surfaces.
Nuala Lewis, from Chorley, is already selling it through online outlets in the UK, and is now in talks with Staples to sell it in the US.
The 31-year-old, an economic development officer with Chorley Borough Council, came up with the idea after tiring of the trackpad on her laptop.
She said: “I got tired of using the tracker on my laptop when sitting on the sofa, but my mouse wasn’t very effective on the arm. I looked around for a product that would help, and was amazed that there was nothing on the market.”
After developing the idea she found a manufacturer and lined up orders from Argos and Staples in the UK. Following advice from Enterprise Europe Network North West (EENW), which offers free advice on exporting, she went on a UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) trip to the US.
She added: “There’s no doubt that I wouldn’t have been taken as seriously if I’d just contacted the buyer direct. This got me a face-to-face meeting and now I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a positive outcome.
“I’m really determined and from the start thought the American market would be right for the Slouch Mat. The challenge was to get a foot in the door and that’s where EENW was able to help.”
Nuala is now developing a second IT-related product and hopes to grow the company. She is also looking for further opportunities to export to Europe.
