One of Europe’s largest manufacturers of aerosol and consumer chemicals, James Briggs Ltd has proven that exporting is great, with entry into new territories increasing its exports to nearly 10% of total sales as year-end approaches.
Despite the UK’s chemicals industry suffering a difficult first quarter, with exports falling by £500m, a bumper April saw the Oldham-based manufacturer buck the trend, with overseas sales in the month hitting 10% of all business – double its export rate throughout the first half of the year.
The boost is in part thanks to growing sales in South East Asia through James Briggs’ professional cleaning brand, Premiere Products – which it acquired in April 2015.
Do you think exporting is great? Then help celebrate export success
The UK Export Excellence Awards 2016 ceremony and gala dinner is being held on June 15 in Liverpool.
It will be an evening of celebration, recognising the achievements of the UK’s exporters over the past year.
If you’re one of the lucky companies to be shortlisted; if you’re keen to meet and share experiences with the UK’s leading exporting and manufacturing companies; or if you’re keen to catch up with old friends and acquaintances from across the market, you are invited to secure a table at this prestigious black-tie ceremony before capacity is reached.
www.exportexcellenceawards.co.uk
Commenting on the growth, James Briggs CEO, Tim Pugh said: “Our reputation overseas is constantly growing, and we’re beginning to see that reflected in our bottomline.
“The past 12 months have seen us enter markets in the Middle East and South East Asia, and we’re targeting a number of other new geographies as part of our ongoing growth strategy.
“During the acquisition process, we recognised the growth potential that the Premiere Products brand could offer alongside our existing products, so it’s extremely rewarding to see it contributing so significantly. I’m confident it will continue to prove a valuable asset as we further develop our export portfolio and look towards a strong finish to our financial year.”
Employing around 250 staff over two manufacturing sites in Greater Manchester, James Briggs was founded in 1830 and designs, formulates and manufactures a wide range of products including paints; lubricants; cleaning fluids, and polishes for automotive, industrial, hygiene and other sectors.
