Overseas business is set to increasefour-foldfor a Stoke-on-Trent company that is selling its tile adhesives and grout to Romania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with help from UK Trade & Investment.

Building Adhesives, of Longton Road, Trentham, established in 1966, specialises in the development, manufacture and distribution of these products under the BAL and Dunlop brands. It has 200employees.

Earlier this year, it opened an office in Romania to market its Dunlop Adhesives range of products for the first time in Eastern Europe.

To prepare for the launch in March, a year ago Building Adhesives joined UK Trade & Investment’s Middle Market programme, which is aimed at firms with previous experience of exporting that are looking to develop sales in new markets.

UK Trade & Investment helped the company by providing advice, information and support, including assistance with the research and logistical costs of establishing an export infrastructure.

Building Adhesives’ export sales manager, Nigel Adams, said: “The launch of our Dunlop Adhesives products into Eastern European markets in April has already been very successful for the brand, especially in Romania, and promises a great deal for the future.

“We have been selling a range of 20 Dunlop grout and adhesive products in large numbers since early this summer, and anticipate a four-fold increase in export sales in 2007.

“I firmly believe that the support of UK Trade & Investment has been integral to the success of the project, complementing our own research programme and supporting a range of areas as we embarked on a watershed project for the business.

”UK Trade & Investment has helped us to tap into the global potential of having an internationally recognised brand.”

Senior international trade adviser Pat Steele, based at North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The team at Building Adhesives are great to work with. UK Trade & Investment has been able to give added value to their already professional strategy. We look forward to offering whatever support we can in the future to assist them with their plans to reach other international markets.”

The Dunlop Adhesives range of tile adhesives and grout is widely available throughout the UK, and used by trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

For more information about how UK Trade & Investment can help your business expand into new markets abroad, contact the international trade team at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce on 01782 202222.

Pictures: Building Adhesives’ export sales manager, Nigel Adams, is pictured at the company premises with senior international trade adviser Pat Steele.

For more details about Building Adhesives Ltd, contact the company on 01782 591100, or visit the website www.building-adhesives.com