Background
Brighouse-based Millers Oils is a leading manufacturer and blender of oils and lubricants for the automotive and associated industries. Trading for almost 140 years, the company supplies over 5,000 UK distributors and end users, as well as a network of 50 international distributors across the world.
The challenge
The company sees plenty of opportunity for growth internationally and is well-positioned with a small but experienced international team. However, effectively navigating the competitive landscape requires focused attention on the specific cultural, partnership, and trading requirements in different markets. This presents a challenge to optimise resources and enhance their market understanding as they expand further.
The solution
One of the International Trade Advisers at the Department of Business and Trade, who Millers Oils had been collaborating with, referred them to our Export programme. Andrea was connected with our Export Manager, John Sellers.
As the client had identified growth opportunities, our Internationalisation Fund was able to contribute 50% funding towards an overseas visit to Asia and the Middle East. The trip included attending the Automechanika event, which attracted over 50,000 visitors.
The company also attended a workshop, provided by Chamber International, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of a new Asian market, which has the potential to unlock further export opportunities in the future.
We also connected the company with an SME Growth Manager in Calderdale Council to discuss digital enterprise funding, which resulted in them securing another grant for IT equipment that will improve operational efficiencies.
The impact
The trips were highly successful, helping Millers Oils gain a greater understanding of the markets. Most importantly, the company has several new clients in the pipeline, positioning it for significant growth and a strengthened market presence as a result of the support received.
“We greatly appreciate the excellent service the programme has provided. The entire process has been straightforward and hassle-free” Andrea Hanson, Head of International, Millers Oils