BETA champions equestrian exports

Sep 23 2009

The British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) latest export mission gave 27 British equestrian manufacturers and distributors valuable exposure to overseas markets.

Many of the companies, including five first-time exhibitors at the Spoga trade fair in Cologne, Germany on 6-8 September, benefited from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) funding secured by BETA.

“The overall aim of BETA’s export work is to champion the quality and creativity of British equestrian products and make them accessible to buyers globally,” said Claire Williams, executive director of BETA which had an information stand at the fair.

Among the British group in Spoga was Nostrilvet, supplier of an equine nasal spray which forms a natural barrier against allergens. “We received good advice from BETA and came away with decent leads from seven different countries,” said Matthew Duxbury of Nostrilvet.

BETA’s logistical help was also appreciated by horsecare product manufacturer Fly Away, acquired by directors Simon Lloyd and Tracey Morley Jewkes just a year ago.

“British products really held their own,” said Tracey. “Being with the British group made for excellent networking opportunities; every time we’ve engaged with BETA, they’ve been fabulous.”

Polly Products used Spoga to re-introduce the Comfort Zone and Tagg Clothing ranges to Europe. “The classic, English-styled jackets went down particularly well. We had a very successful show, being part of the British group tends to concentrate people’s minds on British products,” said Elaine Welsford of Polly Products.

Spoga was one of a series of international venues for export initiatives undertaken annually by BETA, a UKTI Approved Trade Organisation. BETA-led trade missions particularly appeal to new exporters or businesses seeking to explore new international markets.

BETA has secured further Government export funding for the American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA) event in Philadelphia on 30 January -1 February and the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky on 25 September – 10 October, 2010.

For more information, or confidential export advice, contact BETA on + 44 (0)1937 587062 oe email info@beta-uk.org.