Lighting the way

Having received help and advice from UK Trade & Investment, Leicestershire-based company Foxton Global Sourcing has secured orders for its innovative, multi-functional torch, in the US, India and Europe.

Long gone are the days when soldiers went into battle with nothing but puttees, a rifle and a shaving kit. Today’s troopers are equipped with the most up-to-date kit available. They need equipment that’s light, sturdy and serves a multitude of purposes. The GCF-200 torch sold by Foxton Global Sourcing is one such device. This LED torch features an HD camcorder, a 12 megapixel camera with digital zoom, infra-red night vision with camcorder and an e-compass with GPS. It is also water-resistant to 100 metres.

Foxton Global Sourcing was founded by Robert Matthews, who has 25 years of experience in international business development. As an original equipment integrator, the company looks worldwide for products to customise and bring together to provide solutions for military, industrial, security and leisure applications. A former colleague of Robert’s told him about the GCF-200, which is manufactured in South Korea, after he’d set up the company.

“I look for mature products that we can adapt, redesign and assemble in the UK,” says Robert. “I also have a background in defence and aerospace design and knew that the GCF-200 was a great opportunity. Foxton’s still a young company so I’m focussing on the torch right now. We’ve integrated the GCF-200 into the Foxton Torch Kit. It’s a lockable, watertight transit case that can be adapted to the operational needs of armies in various regions.”

Helping you access international markets

Doing business in another country can be a challenge, so it’s good to know that UK Trade & Investment is there to help you succeed.

Through a range of unique services, including participation at selected trade fairs, overseas missions and providing bespoke market intelligence, UK Trade & Investment can help you crack foreign markets and quickly get to grips with regulations and business practices overseas.

UK Trade & Investment’s Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) is a flexible business tool, letting you use the services of our trade teams, located in our embassies, high commissions and consulates across the world, to benefit your business.

A service package could include::

• Market, sector advice

• Analysis of market entry strategies

• Support during overseas visits

• Identification of possible business partners