A FIRM which specialises in making horse bits will share the secret of its overseas success at a special event organised by UK Trade & Investment(UKTI).

Neue Schule, of Stokesley, has developed a range of highly-specialised horse bits to improve horse comfort and rider performance – its impressive clientele includes members of Team GB’s dressage medal winners in the 2012 Olympics.

The company signed up to UKTI’s Passportto Export programme; its Gateway to Global Growth initiative; made use of its Overseas Market Introduction Service and its Tradeshow Access Programme,to explore overseas markets.

The timing of the Olympics and the success of Team GB and Para-Equestrian Team GB meant there was huge international interest and potential for export orders.

Sarfraz Mian, Neue Schule chief executive, said UKTI’s support had been invaluable: “In a relatively short time we have expanded from being a UK focused company to selling Neue Schule products in Europe and beyond.In Germany our sales are channelled through a specialist retailer network. We’re also generating sales in Australia through a key distributor.

“Other markets where distributors have now been appointed include Canada,the USA and Benelux. We are also actively promoting our products attrade shows worldwide in a bid to boost our exports still further.”

Maria Dotsch, one of UKTI’s International trade advisers, said: “The Olympics was a great opportunity for the UK to showcase itself to the world and with UKTI’s support Neue Schule has been able to benefit from that exposure and further promote its products to others across the globe.

“We’re delighted to have been able to support them in their exporting ambitions and it’s great that they have agreed to join us at our breakfast event as we endeavour to encourage others to take up the export for growth challenge.

“There will be a focus on Germany during the event and Neue Schule will be able to provide a first-hand account of what it’s like to do business in this market and we will have a representative from the British Consulate-General Düsseldorf, Germany, on hand to provide expert advice.”

The breakfast event is at Middlesbrough Football Club on Friday, April 26, 8.30am – noon. It includes an opportunity for companies to meet their international trade advisers and set up one-to-one meetings.

Places are free but must be booked.

UKTI also plans to host a market visit to Düsseldorf, in November to coincide with the world’s largest medical devices trade fair, Medica, although companies involved in all industry sectors are invited.

To book for the breakfast event or for more information about the overseas support services, call 0845 05 05 054 or email enquiries@ uktinortheast.org.uk.