WedgeWelly takes big step forward overseas
A COMPANY that has gained investment from a multi-millionaire Dragons’ Den panellist believes it is set for growth in foreign markets after receiving increased levels of enquiries.
WedgeWelly, based in Kingswood, Hull, is already trading with Russia, the Benelux and the USA through a partnership with World Trade Centre Hull & Humber at Humber Quays.
Company directors Mike and Sarah Longthorn and Laura Booth have pledged to enter one new foreign market every year.
The trio claim they have recived a request for a bespoke line of wellington boots from iconic design house Yves St Laurent.
The company, which was launched in 2008, has since sold more than 24,000 pairs of boots with a turnover in excess of £350,000, 20% of which comes from international sales.
Mr Longthorn said: “When the business started, we were very much aware how powerful exports could be in terms of revenue and the World Trade Centre was the natural starting point for us.
“Having been given the knowledge and confidence to dip our toes into international waters, we have now streamlined the business to enable us to focus more time on developing sales channels overseas.”
Expert advice accessed through a UK Trade & Investment specialist at the World Trade Centre led to WedgeWellyobtaining European Design Registration on their products, which prevents companies in any countries of the European Union manufacturing or selling copycat versions.
It is now in the final stages of achieving Trade Mark protection for the USA territory.
Contracts include those with Splash Productions in Alabama, which has recently ordered a second container load of boots, Elite Designs in Russia and Dutch retailer Nathies, which is distributing to the Benelux countries of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Mr Longthorn added that they would be primarily targeting countries that had a music festival culture as the company had carved a niche market in festival goers.
Tony Howard, chair of World Trade Centre Hull & Humber, said that by accessing the right type of assistance, it was entirely possible to develop lucrative overseas business alongside cultivating a UK presence.
“WedgeWelly has generated huge possibilities and broadened its horizons demonstrating the benefits of thinking beyond domestic markets.
“As a result of their efforts they will experience much faster growth as well as being less vulnerable to fluctuating economic situations.”
