Ruthin-based craft supplier, Lavinia Stamps, has expanded exports to over 60 countries and counting, as support from Business Wales generates a 12% increase in sales through new exposure to international markets.
Established in 1992, the craft supplier is best known for their signature polymer stamps, featuring original artwork from founder Tracy Dutton.
Looking to safeguard and expand exports following the UK’s exit from the EU, the team enlisted export experts from Business Wales for strategic guidance to build resilience and better navigate evolving international trade landscapes.
Working with Lavinia’s Product Development Manager, Andrew Peers, Business Wales Adviser, Anthony Kirkbride, set about identifying opportunities to strengthen the company’s sales in Europe to mitigate a potential 75% drop in sales that threatened a 40% loss in revenue.
With Business Wales’ expertise, the Lavinia team were able to capitalise on developing export opportunities. This included accessing courses created by Business Wales to offer exporters clarity on new EU requirements.
Identifying a route to build on the company’s annual turnover of £2.4 million, primarily built on export of crafting tools and accessories such as inks, stencils, and papers, Business Wales supported successful funding applications.
Funding secured through the Welsh Government Trade Team funded Overseas Business Development Visit Programme, which provides support and assistance to companies (SME and large) to attend overseas exhibitions and undertake business development activities in market and boost exports.
The funding facilitated by Business Wales provided Lavinia with 50% of the costs needed to travel to meet with new customers and suppliers while attending the Creativeworld Trade Fair in Frankfurt, the Craft sector’s most prestigious meetup.
Product Development Manager, Andrew said: “Business Wales’ support has been crucial to creating a strategy to maintain and grow our market in the EU. Without Anthony’s guidance the process would have been very difficult for us to manage as the protocols seemed to change daily.”
“Thanks to the support provided to help us attend the Creativeworld Trade Fair we’ve been able to raise our EU profile and engage new customers, as a direct result of the positive feedback into our wider product line. These new products along with our visibility at the trade show have helped us increase our EU sales by 8% and our exports from 40 countries to 60 in the first year.”
Andrew hopes to collaborate further with Business Wales to explore expansion into the US market as Lavinia Stamps continues to grow its product portfolio.
Business Wales Adviser, Anthony Kirkbride, said: “It’s been amazing to see Lavinia Stamps’ progress after attending Creativeworld. Although well-versed in exports, Andrew was eager to receive guidance on the evolving EU market to inform their business trade strategy. A strategy that has seen them achieve impressive growth, expand their export activities, and increase their product offerings.”
