Ironbridge guitar stand supplier to the stars hitting the right notes in export bid
A guitar stand manufacturer who counts the Manic Street Preachers and Squeeze among his former customers is rocking in the free world after launching into overseas markets.
Ironbridge-based sole trader Andy Bennett runs StandMade in Ironbridge, and has won orders from as far afield as Japan and Canada for his products.
The keen guitarist launched StandMade four years ago after ditching a career in live music event management and setting up a workshop in Jackfield.
He spotted a gap in the market for guitar and case stands and racks manufactured using traditional carpentry methods. They can also be personalised and tailored to a musician’s individual needs.
StandMade already counts Manic Street Preachers lead singer and guitarist James Dean Bradfield, Squeeze frontman Chris Difford and folk legend Martin Carthy among his satisfied customers.
Being able to trade successfully overseas had been a crucial step in growing his business, he said.
He has teamed up with Halesfield-based freight company Global Freight to enter the export markets.
“There is a huge appetite internationally for British craftsman made products and Global Freight is helping me to tap into that market, which is increasingly important as we face leaving the European Union," said Mr Bennett.
“When I had my first overseas enquiry, I genuinely didn’t have a clue how to go about exporting my products. I probably would have done research on the internet and ended up costing myself far more time and money.
“Global Freight has made exporting simple for me and been the key that has allowed me to open the business up to overseas customers. “
Nicole Gunter, managing director of Global Freight, said StandMade was typical of the small businesses it aimed to help get a first step on the export ladder.
“Exporting for small companies is not about multi-million pound deals - it can be just one order that opens doors to overseas trade, like it did for Andy. International trade is a massive opportunity for smaller businesses but many people are too frightened to take the first step."
Ms Gunter said that recent fluctuations in currency values on either side of the Channel had made it more attraxtive for companies to look at export markets.
She added: “Our role is to advise and guide as well as deal with the smooth transport of goods and the vast majority of goods we moved last year across the globe was for smaller manufacturers.
“The strong Euro makes UK products an attractive buy and businesses, even small ones, should be making it a top priority in the post Brexit world we face.”
