Saddlery firm gallops ahead after UKTI support

A WALSALL saddler is beating the economic downturn by finding new markets overseas, with help from UK Trade & Investment.

Master saddler Patrick Keane, owner of Patrick Saddlery, has just moved his business to a new, purpose-built factory in Box Street to deal with the increasing demand from international customers for his hand crafted saddles.

Mr Keane started as an apprentice in 1972 and set up his own saddlery, which has four employees, in 1996.

He has helped to keep the town’s traditional industry well established and since 2000, he has won nine first prizes in the Society of Master Saddlers competition, plus four competitions at the NEC to make a saddle in front of an audience.

He has been working with UK Trade & Investment to develop his business for nine years, during which export sales have gone from zero to £500,000 – about 90% of the company’s annual turnover.

Mr Keane said: “We exhibit at the King of Prussia exhibition in Philadelphia twice a year with Walsall Equestrian Society, thanks to financial support from UK Trade & Investment. This has been a great source of new customers.

“We export mostly to the USA – mainly dressage, eventing and jumping saddles for competition horses – and also to Germany and the Netherlands. I’ve designed a new range of saddles and stirrup bars, which are proving really popular.”

He said the support from UKTI had been fantastic over the years, firstly through the Passport to Export programme for new exporters and more recently through the Advantage West Midlands’ International Cluster programme to attend the King of Prussia shows.

“Our international trade adviser, Paul Keeling, is excellent. He advised us on how to set up our display stand, market and present our products to overseas clients, follow up enquiries and close deals, and he is always happy to help us if we have any problems or queries,” added Mr Keane.

The company is now looking at new opportunities in the Middle East, Japan and Australia.

“I’m confident the business will continue to grow and I’d like to take on apprentices in the future to maintain the tradition of making top quality saddles in Walsall,” he added.

Paul Keeling, UKTI international trade adviser, based at Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “Patrick has shown tremendous commitment in developing his overseas markets.

“We at UKTI are delighted to have played a part in his success.”

Picture Caption: From left, Jacqui Pountney, of Walsall Equestrian Society, Margaret Corneby, chief executive of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Patrick Keane of Patrick Saddlery and UK Trade & Investment international trade adviser Paul Keeling at the opening of the saddlery company’s new premises.