Minister Visits Innovation Wizards

During a visit to survival equipment specialists, BCB International ltd, the Wales Office Minister, Alun Cairns MP, saw first-hand how UK Export Finance has helped the firm capture new export business.

For over 160 years, Cardiff-based BCB International Ltd, have been manufacturing and supplying life-saving innovations for soldiers, seafarers, humanitarian aid workers and adventurers.   BCB’s Head of Research and Development, Derek Taylor, demonstrated to Mr. Cairns some of the company’s newly released products including a floating Body Armour system and an eco-friendly solid flammable fuel for portable outdoor cookers.

Derek Taylor said: “Winning new business overseas is absolutely vital for our company as our business model is very much focused on exporting. It was a pleasure to brief the Minister about the processes involved in developing unique innovations which can be successfully exported.”

BCB International were the first SME in Wales to benefit from the UK Export Finance’s Bond Support Scheme which helped them win two export contracts for the supply of life-saving protective equipment to a South American customer with a combined value of almost £500,000.

Following his visit Mr. Cairns said: “ I would like to thank Derek Taylor and the rest of the team at BCB International for a fascinating visit.  I was delighted to hear how the company  took full advantage of our Export Finance Bond support scheme  to help grow their export sales.  Our long term economic plan is all about backing business and helping them to drive economic growth.”

Mathew Hughes, UK Export Finance’s Adviser in Wales said: “We are delighted to have been able to support BCB International in its endeavours to win business in new markets, and look forward to working closely with them in future on similar deals.”