DIYWEEK.net

The family-run safety lock firm has won an export deal with Russia and has already taken an order for 3,500 of its specialist safety products.
The Leicestershire-based company recently exhibited at the SIB Build International Construction Exhibition in Siberia. One of the largest events in the country, the exhibition takes place annually and normally sees more than 17,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors from 19 countries.

It's just the latest international success story for Jackloc, which is also currently taking orders from South Africa, Mexico, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Malaysia.

Jackloc's director Emma Wells said: "We are very pleased and proud to have secured this new deal.

"We saw a six percent increase in sales last year and we are delighted to be developing our export market in a product manufactured here in the Midlands."

The company attributes its international success to the help of UK Trade and Investment, a government department which works with UK-based businesses to ensure they succeed in international markets.

International trade advisor Richard Burchall said: "We helped Jackloc with issues such as language, translation and the ways of doing business in Russia. So they now have the experience and a model to work from which can be transferred to secure business in other countries.

"We have a lot of success in helping small and medium enterprises. You don't have to be a large business to export - you just need to have a good product and a stable company. In fact, due to the slowdown in construction in the UK, a lot of companies who supply that sector are looking to export and spread their risk."

The company recently won a contract to supply Jackloc restraints to be fitted to all windows in Leicestershire County Council's ten care homes.