Gaddon goes Down Under with training deal

TECHNOLOGY company Gaddon has won its first contract in the Australian market following help from UK Trade and Investment.

The Barnsley-based specialist radio frequency consultancy has secured the deal to supply RF training to a multinational defence company in Melbourne.

Gaddon won the deal after signing up to UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Gateway to Global Growth programme, which helps UK exporters diversify into new markets.

Director Ian White, a former RAF serviceman who set up Gaddon in 2003, said that following the contract win, he was now exploring further business opportunities with other Australian companies.

If successful, this could result in him expanding his team in South Yorkshire to handle the increased workload.

Gaddon also has a base in the US, where it works with a leading automated test equipment supplier.

Mr White said: “The service that Gaddon provides is very specialised and there is a growing international demand for RF experts, which I am keen to build on.”

UKTI’s Gateway to Global Growth service offers a 12-month programme of strategic support to experienced exporters who wish to grow their business overseas.

Mr White added: “Although I had already established Gaddon in the US, I knew there were opportunities in Australia, and the support that UKTI offered really helped to open doors for me.

“Without the Gateway to Global Growth programme, I wouldn’t have had the confidence and insight to go out there and meet potential new clients.

“I am now working closely with other businesses in Australia who are interested in taking on Gaddon, and I am hopeful this will help me gain even more of a foothold in this market.”

Mark Robson, regional director for UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Australia is a great location for British businesses, boasting a similar culture and regulatory practices to those in the UK.

“However, it is still vital that even experienced exporters do their research before targeting new international markets, in order to maximise opportunity and reduce risk.

“UKTI aims to equip these businesses with the knowledge and insight they need to achieve their aims, and Gaddon Ltd’s story shows just what can be achieved.”

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