Hull company unlocks growth and secures European export business with DIT support

Hull-based family firm GOH Trading has locked in new custom thanks to support from the Department for International Trade (DIT).

GOH Trading produce Whatlock, a hidden magnetic lock system that secures cupboards and drawers to protect children and others from tampering with potentially hazardous contents.

Invented 20 years ago by now-managing director Suzanne Hall’s father, the safety lock is used in domestic and commercial settings such as nurseries, care homes, garages and shops.

GOH Trading already sells the system in Germany, Lebanon, Italy, Denmark and Romania.

Now, as a result of to introductions made by a Yorkshire-based DIT International Trade Adviser, the company has secured new deals in France, and looks set to unlock business in Spain and the Czech Republic.

Whatlock is being promoted to the construction trade in the Republic of Ireland via M&E Supplies, who GOH met via a DIT-run ‘Meet the Buyer’ event for the Irish hardware and building sector.

The newly-secured French sales agent will also market Whatlock to the construction trade, as well as nurseries and general retail sectors.

In the 12 months since launching a new version of Whatlock last May, GOH Trading’s turnover has grown by 73 per cent, with 50 per cent of this growth attributed to international sales.

Plans are in place to more than treble turnover in the next three years as the firm continues to work with DIT to identify new opportunities.

The business is investing in new packaging, translating their webpages into common languages, and increasing digital marketing. Trips to new territories, such as the USA, are planned in the next year.

Suzanne Hall, managing director at GOH Trading, said: “These new deals will open up outstanding opportunities for our business and will boost our performance in turn.

“We’ve enjoyed tremendous growth in recent months and we’re laying the foundations for further success.

“DIT has helped us meet new partners cost-effectively, which has been a real benefit for us as a small business. I’d encourage others to make the most of this support. If we can export, you can too.”

Mark Robson, head of Yorkshire & the Humber at DIT, added: “GOH Trading has a product with global appeal, and has plans in place to further deliver on its international ambitions.

“Our region is home to a wealth of businesses offering products and services that are in strong demand overseas, and exporting can help them to become more profitable and resilient.”