Thursday 11:56
A Wiltshire-based IT company has cracked the secret of success when it comes to capturing data in almost any language and its impressive break into international markets is due in no small part to UK Trade & Investment's (UKTI) Passport to Export scheme.
Composite Data Solutions of Pewsey has developed a web- and pocket pc-based data collection, field management and reporting package called 'TeamHaven', which has been adopted by several multi-national companies already. The company's latest successes are in Japan thanks to a major contract signed with Nikkohren Inc. - a specialist retail field marketing agent for over 250 brands in Japan - and this partnership can be traced all the way back to UKTI's support under the Passport scheme.
"The company has been on the Passport to Export programme since 2005, "explained Graham Symonds, UKTI Senior International Trade Adviser, "and part of the support we provide is to enable companies to attend industry specific trade shows - such as the National American Retail Marketing Society (NARMS) exhibition in the States. It was through this show that Composite made contact with their now Japanese agent."
Company Chairman, Steve Grimes, continued: "Thanks to our participation in NARMS, we became one of the 'select' retail industry-endorsed IT marketing-solution companies and attracted interest from around the world. The first thing which became apparent from our potential Japanese market was that our programmes would have to be in the native language - happily, this has turned out to be our unique selling point.
"We are the only company - as far as we're aware - which can offer this kind of software in any language. Many companies develop their solution in their native language and then struggle to meet the needs of overseas' clients.
"We have developed a flexible solution for the retail field marketing industry, 'TeamHaven', which not only uses leading edge technology to help increase retail sales but also improves operational efficiency and reduces costs at the same time. Our ability to keep adapting and updating our software to our international clients' needs is keeping us ahead of the field - and having the support of UKTI International Trading Advisors, who really understand our business, during this development is greatly welcomed."
The Passport to Export scheme aims to put together a tailor-made package of support and services for a new or fledging exporter. This can include research into international markets, practical guidance on how to secure relevant business contacts and the provision of an ongoing 'expert' sounding-board for long-term proposals. Ultimately, the scheme hopes to provide a smooth transition into overseas' markets for all 'Passport' companies.
Further information on UKTI and the range of services it can offer to help businesses start or develop international trade is available from Graham Symonds, Senior International Trade Adviser on 07887 542832 or from the international trade teams on 0845 60 60 969.
Notes to Editors
1. The Passport to Export scheme supplies a tailor made package of support and services to new and fledgling exporters.
2. UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade and foreign enterprises seeking to locate in the UK. It brings together the work of teams in British embassies and FCO posts overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England, international trade support is coordinated by nine International Trade Directors working in partnership with each Regional Development Agency. UK Trade & Investment services are delivered locally through a network of International Trade Teams. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements for local delivery of services. For more information visit the web site http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk Issued on behalf of UK Trade & Investment by Government News Network South West and Wales.
All GNN SW press releases are at http://www.gnn.gov.uk
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