Shavedoctor heads to Holland as export success continues
A STAFFORDSHIRE men’s grooming and shaving products is cutting it in international markets with help from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
The Shavedoctor, based in Little Haywood, Stafford, specialises in products for men with sensitive skin, or who consistently experience shaving rash, razor burn and ingrown hairs.
In August last year, the firm decided to focus seriously on exports. Shavedoctor started working with UKTI and quickly joined UKTI’s Passport to Export Programme for new exporters. In six months, the firm’s exports have gone from 5% to 55% of annual turnover.
In October, the firm launched its products in 80 retail stores in Australia. Now Shavedoctor is also exporting to Hong Kong, Canada, Poland, Scandinavia, Germany, Greece and Ireland and will shortly be supplying its range of products to 1,000 retailers across The Netherlands and Belgium.
The business supplying shaving products and wet shave training was set up in 2006 by husband and wife team Mark and Geraldine Sproston.
CEO Mark said: “The success in international markets has been fantastic and has seriously contributed to our bottom line.
“Only last summer, our exports were a side line to our business, now they account for around 55% of our annual turnover.
“UKTI has helped us access funding for visits to meet with potential customers, attend trade missions, as well as provided advice and support on a whole range of export-related matters.”
Becky White, UKTI international trade adviser said: “Mark and Geraldine are passionate about what they do and their enthusiasm is infectious.
“They have had the courage to invest in their own formulations to create a product with a strong and appealing brand. Their hard work and commitment to growing exports has seen orders coming in from across the globe.
“By working with us at UKTI, we are able to formulate a focused export strategy that allows them to grow at the pace they need, while delivering the quality they demand.”
