Case Studies
| Company: | New Dimensions |
| Contact: | Gerry Ashton |
| Position: | Managing Director |
Working with Copernicus the business now sells in 12 countries, through a network of 40 distributors, we are now actively working alongside Copernicus to open new markets in China and the Middle East.
Summary
It started with a touch of comedy and developed into a seriously successful business for Surrey based New Dimensions, which produces video training packages for UK and overseas companies. Seven Dimensions' Managing Director, Gerry Ashton started the video production company in 1989, but did not venture into exports until years later and now exports account for 50 per cent of the training video business.
Working with Copernicus the business now sells in 12 countries, through a network of 40 distributors, and is actively working alongside Copernicus to open new markets in China and the middle east.
Most defining moment
Meeting the actor and comedian John Cleese before starting the company. Being able to voice your vision to somebody powerful and well respected is great because you get to hear how it sounds to others and the idea becomes possible.
Biggest challenge
The biggest challenge has been cash flow. The business has been self-funded from day 1. Another challenge is opening overseas markets.
Advice for other exporters
New Dimension's advice is to get out there and say what you want, don't just think you want something - use communication tools let people know what you want to achieve, and if you don't have the resource in-house find a proven partner to work with - like Copernicus. They have the skills to be able to pick up the phone and be interesting within a sentence with somebody from another country. If you waffle on in English to a Fin or a Turkish person and don't present yourself in a powerful way, you will not succeed.
What to be careful of when exporting
It is very important to find out more about the people you may do business with. Be careful not to get swept away with the moment. Consider what the company has done in the past. Check credentials - it is prudent to put agreements in writing, even pre-contract. Copernicus have not only helped us create new business opportunities, they have also helped prevent potential disasters.
To find out more about how Export To Denmark can help your business, please call us on +44 (0) 870 879 5309
or e-mail us at info@exporttodenmark.com
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