York firm goes global

A YORK firm specialising in bespoke bulk storage silos and handling systems is going global after securing multi-million pound export contracts.

Huntington-based Portasilo is preparing to ship products overseas after securing funding from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to attend niche international trade shows and meet new customers.

Several deals have come to fruition through the shows generating around £2m in new business.

Joe Dickinson, Portasilo’s export manager, said the projects secured in the Middle East and Asian Pacific regions, represented an exciting new development for the firm.

“We already have a great standing in the UK market in the environmental, power and food industries, but these latest contracts take Portasilo’s supply and expertise to the next level,” he said.

“We’ve gained a footing in some lucrative markets, and it bodes extremely well for the future if we can build on that base and continue our expansion.”

Portasilo used UKTI’s Targeted Export Support Scheme to attend trade shows on foreign shores.

Mr Dickinson added: “The TESS programme was the perfect support service for Portasilo, as it enabled us to pitch ourselves to the international market at a time when business in the UK was static.

“We’ve always considered ourselves innovative through the products we offer, and we had the chance to showcase that innovation – forging new relationships and eventually securing business as a result.”

Simon Bedford, of UKTI commented: “With the UK in recession, companies like Portasilo have been actively looking at opportunities in overseas high growth markets.

“At UKTI we offer practical support to help those taking their first steps into exporting, as well as those looking to develop existing business into new markets.”