The world is waiting for your business

Take that first step around the world this Export Week.

As Export Week draws to a close, we spoke to Elizabeth and Nabil Assaf who run Urban Front, the Buckinghamshire Business First members who design and manufacture steel reinforced doors from their base in Chesham. They have been exporting for a few years now, and Elizabeth tells their story: “We export little and often, to the point where we don’t even think of it as exporting anymore, it’s just a part of the business. 20% of everything we sell is sold overseas, that includes places close to home like France and Spain, as well as far flung places like Africa and the Middle East. The more international you look, the better your business looks.”

Over time Urban Front has established itself as a successful exporter, but, as Elizabeth explains, it takes hard work. “My advice about selling overseas is to definitely go for it, but be patient. Just like in the UK it takes time to become established in a new market, and to get the contacts you need. But persevere, and make use of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), they are brilliant. A lot of the help they give you is for free, and if you maintain a healthy relationship with them it will help you enormously.”

And were there worries at first? “Naturally,” says Elizabeth, “but they fade when you put your mind to it. We had worries about transporting our products overseas in one piece, but we use shared containers that are safely shipped off to our customers, and we go door-to-door now with no issues. The point is, of course there are obstacles, but they are easily surpassed when you set your mind to them.”

For more information on Export Week visit the UK Trade & Investment website or call our Business Support Team on 01494 568941

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