Hull textile software firm takes bite out of the Big Apple with $1.5m US deals

A Hull company is making a splash across the pond after winning deals worth a total of $1.5m (£1.02m).

Reflex Data, a provider of enterprise resource planning software to the textiles industry, specialises in assisting home furnishings and wallpaper brands with its Mertex software which helps manufacturers achieve greater operational efficiency and profitability.

The company, which employs around 40 people at its Priory Park headquarters, is now finding success stateside with its niche product and services.

Carnegie, Swavelle Mill Creek, Zoffany and Pollack Associates - the New York-based fabric and wallpaper brands - have signed up to Mertex.

Jerry Alcock, managing director of Reflex Data, said: “In the UK, Mertex is widely recognised as the industry standard and is used by most of the major home furnishings and wallpaper manufacturers. Its success is due to it being developed to meet the specific business needs that are unique to the industry.

“Our success in the UK has attracted a growing interest from companies in Europe, Australia, and in particular the US, which is proving to be very successful for us, especially with companies based in and around New York and the East Coast States.

“Our initial success was due to a combination of factors such as engagement with UKTI’s Passport to Export programme, identifying key prospects, investing in new marketing collatoral, and multiple visits to the USA.

“Securing these new clients and attracting a number of prospective clients demonstrates that our strategy is starting to deliver.”

Mr Alcock added that as Reflex Data’s client base grows, it will be necessary to establish a base in the US with its own pool of resources to complement the UK team.

He said: “We are investing to ensure we continue to provide the levels of support and customer service that has been pivotal to the company’s success in the UK.

“We’re looking forward to a fruitful relationship with Carnegie, Swavelle Mill Creek and Pollack Associates and believe that the US market will provide many further opportunities for us to grow the business.”

Reflex Data, which was established in 1987, also has over 80 customers in the UK, including Harlequin, Sanderson, Designers Guild and Zoffany.