No strings attached for violin firm’s export success

The philosophy of one Rotherham-based company is that ‘There’s a world of changing possibilities out there that we have a duty to explore’.

With an opinion like this it’s perhaps no surprise that Ted Brewer violins, which specialises in creating hand-crafted and distinctive electric musical instruments, has showcased at three exhibitions – both national and international – in the last 12 months.

The company, which was set up by Ted Brewer in the early nineties after he was commissioned to make a violin for a friend has gained a reputation not only for the sound quality of its instruments, but also for the appearance of them – which are available in a range of colours including violet, pink and even transparent.

The company’s list of clients features celebrity musicians including Vanessa Mae, and Ted’s instruments sell across the world. Ted used the help of the South Yorkshire International Trade Centre (SYITC) to create a successful export strategy and to gain access to funding which has helped him achieve success overseas.

With the help of UK Trade & Investment’s Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP), accessed through the SYITC, Ted was able to showcase his products at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) exhibition in California and at the MusikMesse international trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany. TAP contributed towards the stand costs at Musikmesse but Ted was also able to access Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS) funding to help towards accommodation, travel and marketing material costs for the trip to Germany. 

MusikMesse is the world’s largest fair for the music instruments sector, with more than 1,600 exhibitors. Ted was joined at his stand by musician Erica Nockalls, who uses two Ted Brewer violins during her work with various bands including The Wonder Stuff.

Ted commented: “Frankfurt was an amazing experience. I think we had one of the most popular stalls in our hall! Most of the other stringed instruments were more traditional whereas ours were very colourful and eye-catching!

“But we were also lucky enough to have a stunning violinist with us demonstrating the quality of our instruments so Erica’s performances doubtless helped attract the audience to our stand.

“We just wanted the German market to be able to see and hear first hand what new technology and great design can do.

“Before we started going to exhibitions like the one in Frankfurt, we had one main distributor. Now we have three and counting. We have also had some contact with a distributor in Japan so that’s really exciting news as that’s a huge market.

“The support from the SYITC has been brilliant. Our plans for the future now include returning to Frankfurt again and finding more European distributors.”

SYITC senior international trade advisor Jo Kelly said: “Ted Brewer Violins combine outstanding quality and maximum visual impact, a fact that German and American markets in particular are waking up to.

“We’re thrilled to have been able to assist a South Yorkshire company that offers a double whammy with its products – Ted’s violins are stylish to look at but also produce a superb sound. It’s no wonder they are increasingly in demand internationally and we’re delighted to have been able to assist with the expansion of their export programme.”