Background

Buttercrumble is a Leeds-based studio providing creative services including branding, graphic design, illustration, visual storytelling and more. Launched by twin sisters Chloe and Abigail Baldwin initially as a side hustle whilst studying, Buttercrumble supports children-focused and community-sensitive brands in an effort to make the world better through design.

The challenge

The studio has built a strong reputation, earning an impressive client-retention rate of almost 50%. With almost a third of Buttercrumble’s revenue coming from overseas, the company wanted to capitalise on its success and expand its foothold in the US. With this in mind, the sisters approached West Yorkshire Business Boost for help and support through our Export programme.

The solution

Although we can help SMEs formulate action plans and identify barriers to successful exporting, Chloe and Abigail approached us with a detailed plan already in place and a clear understanding of their market opportunities.

They already had some experience of exporting, but we ran a thorough diagnostic to ensure they had what was needed to facilitate their plans.

Following this, we were able to provide a £2,000 grant through our Internationalisation Fund to help pay for flights, accommodation and other costs, enabling Buttercrumble to exhibit at NY Now in Manhattan. The event is New York’s largest wholesale market and is seen as a key place to make game-changing connections with other brands.

We also signposted Chloe and Abigail to export workshops run by Chamber International available through our programme.

The impact

Exhibiting at a major trade event in such an important market enabled the sisters to raise Buttercrumble’s profile and make numerous contacts they hope to build on in the future.

Exporting is a key part of Buttercrumble’s strategy to grow turnover to more than £250,000 and create employment opportunities for four people. The longer-term aim is to have nine full-time employees and raise revenue to £500,000.   

“West Yorkshire Business Boost provided our business with a great sounding board, helping us to continue exporting smoothly. Buttercrumble is proud to make the next steps on our growth journey.” Chloe and Abigail Baldwin, Co-founders

Learn more about our Export programmes

If you have a business based in West Yorkshire and are interested in working with our team of Export Managers, express your interest in our programme here.