The UK’s only manufacturer of debarking systems for sawmills, Cundey Systems, is set to start tapping the export market with help from a government-appointed adviser who made her name promoting British-made coffee machines.
Worcester-based Cundey Systems, established in 2010, has enrolled on the Passport to Export scheme run by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), a government department created to support British firms in exporting their products and services.
It has also been assigned a “mentor” – Angela Maxwell, who achieved prominence as commercial director of Fracino, the UK’s only manufacturer of espresso and cappuccino coffee machines.
“After starting Cundey Systems in September 2010 we have been able to establish a strong customer base in the UK and want to now start expanding into Europe,” said Mark Hayward, Cundey’s company secretary.
“The support from UKTI to date has been incredibly valuable in helping us understand the process of exporting our products into different markets. With all this support we aim to be exporting within six months.”
Cundey – or Cundy – branded machines have been sold for decades but their former manufacturer Technorton Ltd went into administration in 2009 with the loss of 10 jobs. A group of investors from the Advanced Business Development Network acquired Technorton’s assets and moved the business from Ludlow to Worcester to continue manufacturing the machines.
As well as debarkers, Cundey Systems produces log splitters, saw benches and post pointers, primarily aimed for use within the fencing industry.
UKTI’s Passport to Export programme offers training and support to organisations to improve their knowledge of the export process. Firms involved with the programme are given access to market research services, contacts in embassies around the world and mentors.
