Family firm to capitalise on export markets

A UK company based in Leigh, Simply Bearings, recorded £4m turnover in 2015 with plans for further expansion in European and American markets with support from the Business Growth Hub, part of Manchester Growth Company.

Established in 2004 by two brothers, the company, a supplier of quality bearings, seals and mechanical accessories, has recently secured a number of multi-national contracts with blue-chip clients such as Coca Cola, Dyson and aerospace and transportation company Bombardier.

Simply Bearings, which relocated offices to Greenfold Way in 2012 to support its expansion plans, is now targeting £10m turnover by 2020 by focusing on overseas markets and improving its online presence.

Business Growth Advisor at the Hub, Bob Dackiw, helped the company directors to focus their attention on new markets including exports, through one-to-one support and advice. He also introduced the business to UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), who then worked with Simply Bearings to further progress an export strategy and enhance their website functionality for overseas customers.

Dackiw also used the expansive Hub partnership network to enable the company to collaborate with mechanical engineering experts from the University of Huddersfield to help develop its innovative products and boost its diagnostic services for major clients.

Dan Makin, Director and Co-Owner of Simply Bearings, said: “We wanted to grow our exports further into European and North American markets, while continuing to provide excellent customer service. Currently we have contracts across North America, Ireland, Italy and Germany, and we aim to strengthen our presence even further in these markets.

“Our work with the Hub and UKTI has been essential to our overseas development. They have made vital introductions that have helped to move the business forward and the advice from industry experts has boosted our online progression and provided essential training to our workforce. We are looking forward to continuing our work with the Hub as we target £10m turnover in the next four years.”

Bob Dackiw, Business Growth Advisor at the Hub, added: “Simply Bearings is the leading provider of bearings and oil seals in the UK and a fantastic, rapidly growing family business.

“Partnering with universities and academics has enabled the owners to step back from the business and focus on developing a new range of products. Attending our masterclasses and working with UKTI has provided the firm with the knowledge to drive growth through exports and we will continue to work closely with the company as it continues to target international markets.”

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