BJA British Jewellers' Association : Olivia Burton enjoys international sales success

Watch brand Olivia Burton announced it has grown into a global brand exporting to 11 countries worldwide with thanks to support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

Since initially making contact with UKTI, export sales for the company have risen from £60,000 to £500,000, with an overall revenue increase from £707,000 in 2012 to a 2014/15 forecast of £3.5m.

Through the programme Oliva Burton founders Lesa Bennett and Jemma Fennings were able to access free local workshops run by expert trainers

Following the workshops, the company secured a UKTI Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) grant that enabled it to exhibit at the Who's Next in Paris in January 2013 and 2014.

UKTI trade advisor Martin Senior said: "Although they had a great product, which they could sell virtually anywhere, Lesa and Jemma lacked the know-how to take their business to the next level. 

"The Passport to Export programme was really useful for them as it gave them the nuts and bolts that they needed to know in order to get started in international trade. 

"For example, they learnt when they should charge VAT on overseas sales and how they could find and manage agents and distributors."

The company continues to work with UKTI and is considering undertaking an Export Communications Review, which aids companies in improving their web and other communications for non-English speaking export markets.