The Chief Executive of cooking appliance manufacturer Glen Dimplex Home Appliances is set to help North West entrepreneurs take their first steps into overseas trade.
Denver Hewlett is the latest expert to join UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) network of leaders for the launch of Export Champion 2014, an initiative unique to the North West and designed to offer local businesses peer-to-peer support. As part of his new role, Mr Hewlett will provide practical support and mentoring to local companies and entrepreneurs taking their first steps into international markets.
Mr Hewlett has previous export experience, having led his team’s expansion into more than 13 countries. Last year, GDHA won the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category after overseas sales of its British-made products increased dramatically and was this year named North West Exporter at the Business Masters Awards.
GDHA announced its intention to export its home-grown Stoves, Belling and New World cooking appliances in 2009 and over the last four years has delivered record financial performances, growing its revenues by a total of 880%. During that time it has expanded rapidly in overseas markets, exporting successfully to Australia, France, Belgium, Cyprus, Malta, South Africa and Holland and, more recently, building relationships with Poland, Germany, Israel and Russia.
Denver Hewlett, Chief Executive of Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, said of the new position: “It is a fantastic honour to be asked to become an Export Champion. As a region, the North West has some great businesses that are performing really well and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t enjoy the same success abroad. Expanding into international markets has been a very positive experience for our business and if sharing our story with others helps them join the ranks of British businesses flying the flag abroad, then that will be a result.”
