Thursday, 08 Jul 2010
"It is hoped that the Evans example of successful proactive exporting will encourage other North West companies to invest in international markets"
Peter Thompson,
International Sales Manager, Evans Vanodine
Image:Kirsty Sanderson and the Export Sales team at Evans Vanodine show off the Chemicals Northwest Award for International Trade. Presented by Mike Eccleshall (back row, right), Deputy Director, UKTI NW Region.
Working for a cleaner world!
Established in 1919 in Salford by chemist, William Charles Evans, Evans Vanodine initially specialised in developing and manufacturing soap and spraying essences, which were sold to cinemas, theatres and local industry across the North West.
Today, the family-owned business has expanded into an international plc selling through over 300 distributors in the UK and exporting specialist livestock and industrial/institutional cleaning and hygiene product ranges to over 60 countries worldwide.
Most of Evans Vanodine’s competitors in export markets are local manufacturers operating on a low price platform. Of the few real competitors, two are multinational with vastly more resources available to them; yet it is Evans Vanodine which continues to set the benchmark to the industry and is developing products which others seek to imitate.
From a state-of-the-art production base in Preston, responding to emerging diseases has become a part of Evans business. Their sights are now firmly set on becoming the world's leading manufacturer of Animal Health disinfectants.
Peter Thompson, International Sales Manager, confirmed: “Exporting is integral to Evans Vanodine’s culture and business plan and in times of downturn our international sales have maintained the profitability of the company.
“A large part of our international growth over the last 10 years has been facilitated by UK Trade & Investment. We started out on a mini-mission to Belgium and have continued to utilise UKTI’s overseas teams for market research and business introductions. The current Gateway to Global Growth programme is helping us look more strategically at our international journey.
“Evans export turnover now represents 30% of our business, with the Middle East - from Turkey to Yemen - being the largest market for our janitorial ranges.”
On winning the International Trade Award, sponsored by UKTI, Peter said: “It is truly an honour to win this Chemicals Northwest Award.
“Recognition of the effort and investment put into our export business will continue to incentivise us to maintain our growth and achieve our targets.
“It is hoped that the Evans example of successful proactive exporting will encourage other North West companies to invest in international markets.”
Awards Dinner Highlights
Video highlights from the prestigious Chemicals Northwest Awards 2010 which took place on 20th May at The Midland, Manchester are available. Companies from Manchester, Cheshire, Liverpool, Lancashire and Cumbria scooped Awards on the night, flying the flag for the North West's chemical sector which contributes a staggering £10bn to the region's economy.
Contacts
Tricia Francis
International Trade Adviser
UKTI North West International Trade Team
Mobile: +44 (0)7966 560644
Tel: 0845 603 7053 / +44 161 875 2341
Fax: +44 (0)161 875 2234
Email: tricia.francis@uktinorthwest.co.uk
Website: www.itcnw.co.uk / www.ukti.gov.uk