Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
A short film showcasing the manufacturing capabilities and export success of East Lancashire housewares supplier What More UK is helping to launch a new TV channel for UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).
Called Export TV, the online channel will highlight key British exporters and will be promoted and accessible around the globe via the UK’s network of overseas embassies. UKTI is the government department which assists UK businesses in developing overseas export markets.
What More UK is one of the first businesses to feature. A Lancashire success story which only began exporting in 2008, it now ships products to 63 countries and holds the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
Director Tony Grimshaw said: “When we took our first tentative steps toward exporting almost eight years ago, we really didn’t have much idea how to go about it. Luckily we were pointed in the direction of UKTI’s north-west office, which has been an absolute godsend in guiding our business to export success. I cannot overemphasise how much help UKTI can give a business looking to export. So it’s great that, eight years down the line, we can help launch this great new UKTI marketing tool for British manufacturers and exporters like ourselves.
“I should add that we also received first class help from East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and our industry trade association BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association). The point is, there’s no shortage of support out there for businesses looking to start exporting – you just have to ask for it.”
Selling products under the Wham brand, What More has more than 650 lines, with a huge selection of plastic storage boxes in all shapes, sizes and uses at the core of the business. Other plastic housewares range from laundry baskets to washing up bowls, drinks bottles to dog beds, and buckets to bins.
Recently it diversified into manufacturing traditional wooden brushware and a Wham Cook range of non-stick and enamel bakeware. Britain’s rekindled love affair with home baking – credited mainly to the success of BBC One TV series ‘The Great British Bake Off’ – has made Wham Cook one of the company’s fastest selling ranges.
Produced by What More’s in-house marketing team, the three minute 30 second video begins with aerial views of its purpose-built 500,000sq ft manufacturing and distribution centre at Altham, where 80 tons of raw plastic per day are transformed into Wham goods.
The film moves on to show the company’s machinery producing plastic buckets and boxes, before switching to the warehouse, which holds £8 million worth of stock. It also shows the bakeware and brushware production lines in operation, before moving to fully loaded lorries leaving the loading bays, and closing on a world map highlighting What More’s export markets around the globe: “63… and counting.”
To view the What More UK film to be aired on the new Export TV channel visit: https://youtu.be/aVPH90ebYqw
Tony Grimshaw added: “It gives a brief snapshot of what we do, but it’s a good one and I hope people enjoy watching it. If I could give just one bit of advice to any business (large or small) looking at exporting, it would be to get hold of an international advisor from UKTI. They will not only show you the way to export, they will hold your hand on the journey.”
UKTI can provide financial support, free training and advice and a range of other help to new and existing exporters. For more information visit: www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk
What More UK director Tony Grimshaw.
