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Defying the downturn: Evans Vanodine exports janitorial supplies to over 60 countries
Preston-based Evans Vanodine, which exports its janitorial supplies to over 60 countries, is riding out the recession thanks to its robust international trade strategy, which is allowing it to continue expanding despite the economic climate.
This family owned firm, which employs approximately 135 people, manufactures a huge range of janitorial products for hospitals, schools and caterers, as well as specialist chemicals for the animal hygiene industry - including market leading disinfectants to prevent the spread of serious diseases such as Foot & Mouth and Avian Influenza.
Established in 1919, it is now thought to be the largest independent manufacturer in the UK. Chairman Derek Evans is 82 and has three sons and a grandson working in the business - and many employees have been with the company for 30 years or more.
International Sales Manager Peter Thompson joined the firm 10 years ago with the task of developing a coherent export strategy. Although the firm had been exporting since 1960, previous international business had been reactive and only accounted for 10% of turnover.
Peter has worked closely with UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Adviser Karen Holden to grow the business. This year exports will account for 28% of turnover, reaching a vast range of markets from Iran to Australia, and Peter says he doesn't see the growth rate dropping.
Key markets for the products include the Far East, Latin America and the Middle East, where they are manufactured under license, but Evans Vanodine's products can be found worldwide from Malta to Mexico.
The company has made great use of UKTI's Overseas Market Introduction Service to access new markets. OMIS is a bespoke service which puts businesses directly in touch with UKTI staff in almost 100 offices overseas who can access the best country- and sector-specific information and introduce the company directly to buyers and distributors.
Peter says: "We constantly use UKTI services. They are a great resource in terms of information obtained on markets. We have commissioned over 20 OMIS reports - an average of two every year - and they have provided tremendous value for money, as have the several subsidised UKTI trade missions I have attended.
"OMIS reports are a cost-effective way to access the information we need to make a quick and painless entry into a new market and select the right distribution partners. Although the final decision rests with us and there is no substitute for face to face contact, OMIS puts us on the road to finding the right people and very often takes us right up to the door."
Karen Holden, International Trade Adviser with UKTI North West says: "Peter has a very good knowledge of the industry and can identify market opportunities and be specific in his requirements, so OMIS is an ideal service for Evans Vanodine.
"Although a larger percentage of turnover in the UK comes from the janitorial cleaning side, a lot of the export business is focussed on the company's animal health range, where the advanced formulations are in great demand as few companies around the world can manufacture products to customers' exact specifications.
"The animal health side of the business is also set to grow in the new EU accession markets as regulations force them to follow more stringent procedures in hygiene and milk production, and Evans Vanodine's expertise and products are necessary for them to comply with EU law."
In 2007 Evans Vanodine won the EN Magazine Exporter of the Year award and the International Trade Be Inspired Business Award for its international activities, both sponsored by UKTI, in recognition of its successful export strategy - and the company has every intention of continuing its success.
Peter says: "Exporting takes commitment from a company, investment in its people and a desire to succeed, but there are many rewards.
"As the current economic climate demonstrates, it is vital to have a broad based company when the UK market collapses, but the benefits of a global business are not just economic. Widespread exporting has given us a valuable insight into the whole industry and has enabled us to identify gaps in the market and invest in research & development in order to formulate new products for the international market and remain at the forefront of the industry."
T: +44 (0) 1772 322200
F: +44 (0) 1772 626000
E: UK Sales: sales@evansvanodine.co.uk
E: Export Sales: export@evansvanodine.co.uk
19th February 2009