A LUXURY bathroom design business in Middlesbrough is launching its first showroom and office in the USA.

Lusso Stone, based on Stokesley Road, is opening the showroom to meet demand after receiving enquiries from retailers across Northern America about its products.

As a result, the firm expects to increase turnover by 40 to 60 per cent to £12m by the end of 2018.

It went ahead with the new venture after receiving support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking which has implemented a Cardnet facility to help the firm manage online payments more effectively.

The business also used the bank’s International Trade Portal to access information and practical resources to help start exporting.

Founded in 2014 by Wayne Spriggs, Lusso Stone designs and manufactures stone resin bathroom products including sinks, taps and baths, for both retail and commercial clients.

Over the past four years the company has grown significantly, quadrupling its turnover and working with high profile customers including five-star London hotel, Claridge’s.

The new office will employ four staff.

Mr Spriggs said: “The business has gone from strength-to-strength in the past year, and is attracting attention from some exciting clients in the US.

“It’s obvious that there is significant demand for our products in America, so we’ve decided to take the steps needed to establish permanent premises to accommodate and target potential new clients across the country.

“Lloyds Bank helped us launch the business and throughout the past four years has provided vital support.

“When we mentioned that we’d like to start exporting, our relationship manager introduced us to the International Trade Portal. This has proved to be an invaluable tool as it’s provided us with the background knowledge we’ve needed to plan how we will export, leading to the opening of our first showroom.”

David Pesarra, relationship manager, for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Lusso Stone is one of many businesses in the North East recognising the benefits exporting can bring.

“Our recent Business in Britain report found that more than quarter of firms across the region believe the US market holds the most opportunities for them over the next six months.

“However, exporting for the first time or to a new region can be daunting for firms, and it’s vital that companies seek the specialist support needed to make the process as simple as possible.

“To help more firms access the tailored guidance they need, we’ve partnered with Department for International Trade and as part of our commitment to help Britain prosper, we plan to support 25,000 new exporters by 2020.”