Lights, Camera, Action!

Since it was first set up, Appleworld UK has worked with UK Trade & Investment to explore new markets for its innovative Rotolight. The company has recently added Australia to its list of export destinations.

In 2009, a new lighting product came on the market for professional videography, cinematography, and photography. The award-winning Rotolight, devised by father and son Rod Gammons and Rod Aaron is the only light in the world to go over a microphone, as well as working extremely well for stills and broadcast video cameras.

Whilst Rotolight is 100 per cent UK-made, it was clear from the start that there was potentially a global market for the product. In May 2010, Appleworld UK, the sales arm of Rotolight, joined UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) Passport to Export programme. It went on to receive grant support from UKTI’s Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP), to attend trade exhibitions around the world.

For easy reading and printing, download the full success story as a PDF

You’ll need a copy of Adobe Reader

When Appleworld UK received an enquiry from a distributor in Australia, UKTI provided funding through its Export Market Research Scheme (EMRS) for a trip there. Whilst there, Rod attended a major trade event in Sydney, where he met local distributor New Magic. Within two weeks, they had signed a distribution agreement.

“UKTI’s financial support has made it viable for us to attend industry events,” says Rod Aaron, President of International Sales and Distribution at Appleworld UK. “We have benefitted from UKTI’s support in all of our export markets and it has been absolutely fundamental to our business success.”

Contacts

If you are interested in the Australia market contact

UK Trade & Investment Sydney

British Consulate-General,

Email: UKTISydney@fco.gov.uk

Information about the range of support services from UKTI is available through your local UKTI office