The UK-based protective wear business, Armadillo Merino, reports that it has increased sales in the US by 200pc after winning contracts with police departments in Washington, Houston, Chicago and Salt Lake City with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT).
The Belper-based business designs and makes protective clothing for police, firefighters, soldiers and related workers. It already supplies NASA and Italian special forces. The new contracts were secured after DIT supported the firm with funding to attend the two-day National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Conference and Trade Show in Arizona last year – the largest law enforcement conference globally. The business met buyers from across the US and has since been working with local agents and DIT representatives.
Made from Merino sheep wool, the clothing is designed to withstand heat and flames of up to 570 degrees C and was inspired by founder Andy Caughey watching images of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with avoidable burns and injuries from the clothes they were wearing.
The new contracts follow a number of award wins this summer. The business was commended with a Board of Trade Award presented by Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade. The business also secured £2,000 as part of the Heathrow World of Opportunity Award to fund its attendance on a variety of trade missions. Since starting in 2011, the business now exports to 36 countries including Japan, Germany and Italy, with overseas sales totalling 60pc of its turnover.
Andy Caughey, Armadillo Merino’s founder, said: “Our sole purpose is to make clothing that is genuinely effective, whether for someone fighting local crime, fire or international war. We have invested a lot in research and development over the years to make our garments the best they can be in the base layer category, and it is rewarding to be getting recognition from around the world.
“The Department for International Trade has been incredibly supportive as we have turned our commercial priorities to the US over the last 18 months. North America is already one of our top export markets, but we knew we had barely scratched the surface of opportunities available to us over there. Our International Trade Adviser’s recommendation to attend the NTOA trade show has been a big step in the right direction and we’re confident this export win is the first of many as we continue to build relationships with buyers across the pond. It goes to show that if we can, you can too.”
International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “I was delighted to present Armadillo Merino with a Board of Trade Award earlier this year, recognising the business’s excellence in international trade. This latest success in the US is testament to its exporting ambitions.
“The demand for British goods and services continues to grow, and our homegrown businesses should be tapping into this global appetite. My international economic department has a team based here in the East Midlands to support aspiring businesses identify new exporting opportunities, and I’d urge those looking to take their first steps to get in touch.”
DIT has a network of International Trade Advisers that are here to support aspiring businesses and identify new exporting opportunities. DIT also holds a number of workshops and events in the East Midlands region that are built to find solutions to businesses’ exporting concerns.
Those looking to take their first step should get in touch with the local office to speak with an International Trade Adviser. Companies can find details and a list of opportunities at great.gov.uk.
