Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Overseas markets growth boosts wildlife business
A GLOUCESTERSHIRE wildlife product business is expecting to generate £4 million in US sales over the next five years after establishing an online presence led to growth in its overseas markets during lockdown.
Tetbury-based manufacturer Wildlife World specialises in creating nesting habitats for birds, mammals, amphibians and insects.
The company, established by Norman Seller in 1997, is one of the few suppliers of its kind to have its own workshop and works with an extensive network of wildlife experts, including TV naturalist Simon King.
Since 2010, Wildlife World has received support from the Department for International Trade (DIT) including funding to attend trade shows overseas, such as the Gardenex show.
These events helped the business to establish itself abroad and now exporting accounts for 30% of its total sales.
During the pandemic, the company has seen its sales to the US grow by 87% and it has recently established a fulfilment centre there, offering US customers flexible minimum order quantities and short lead times.
Vanessa McDonald, sales manager for Wildlife World, said: “With the Covid lockdown, I wasn’t able to travel to America and attend trade shows. This meant we really had to invest in our online presence in the US.
“We set up a new website and DIT funding enabled us to secure an online specialist in the US. We’re also getting support with our IP protection and DIT has introduced us to a group of specialist consultants, lawyers and accountants.
“While Covid-19 has been challenging for everyone, we are fortunate that DIT has helped us to establish such a strong foothold in the market.”
Wildlife World’s international expansion has also seen it secure deals with retailers in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Paul Shand, head of trade for DIT in the South West, said: “Wildlife World’s success in the US demonstrates the strong demand for highquality UK goods overseas, and it’s great to see them thriving and helping consumers over the world connect with nature during a challenging time.
“Trade will play an important role in getting our economy back on track and Wildlife World is a great example of how companies can look to lucrative overseas markets to boost their sales whilst creating more jobs.”
The business is involved in conservation projects in the South West including tree and hedgerow planting. Last year it helped to complete 200 metres of new wildlife corridors.