Jewellery firm secures series of contracts Down Under

Malvern-based jewellery business Beach Art Glass has secured eight export wins in Australia and New Zealand.

Founder of the glass bead jewellery designer and manufacturer Julie Fountain, showcased the brand’s summer-themed accessories at Sydney’s International Jewellery Fair in August. It secured the opportunity to supply six retailers across Australia, one in New Zealand and one on Norfolk Island.

A £3,000 grant from Department for International Trade (DTI) contributed towards the cost of the stand at the event as well as travel and accommodation. The wins have multiplied the company’s customer base in this part of the world by five and allow the business to drive year-round sales by tapping into the summer market in Australia and New Zealand when it is winter in the UK, and vice versa.

DIT has also helped the business navigate the logistics of shipping goods, custom regulations and import duties, as well as identifying the most suitable markets to target the range to.

The company was set up in 2015 and already has customers in New Zealand, the Caribbean, Cyprus and Ireland, with exports currently making up 10% of its annual turnover.

Fountain said: “This is the first time we have exhibited internationally, and it’s been so rewarding to see such a positive reception from so many buyers. Our summer designs have already been received positively in Australia and New Zealand, and we are excited to be growing our footprint even more with these latest wins.

“As a relatively new business, getting our products overseas hasn’t been without its challenges. Sometimes it’s just knowing the right people to talk to about where to find opportunities, the various costs that come with exporting, and how to manage cash flow. The Department for International Trade has been incredibly helpful and put us on the right track to success overseas.”

Ian Harrison, head of exports for the Midlands at the Department for International Trade, said: “There is a strong demand for British-made jewellery from overseas markets. For Beach Art Glass in particular, the designs have really captured the imagination of customers in warmer climates. Julie has made the most of this demand, and it’s great to see that her business has grown from exhibiting at local craft fairs three years ago to  shipping jewellery globally today.”