Swinton Technology

Hi-tech energy know-how

A young hi-tech company based in Malton, North Yorkshire is improving its chances of attracting business overseas by tapping into some expert support close to home.

Swinton Technology started up in 2001 and has already grown to 15 employees. The company specialises in software engineering and associated equipment for the oil and gas industry. Swinton’s sophisticated and economical control systems for the fiscal measurement of oil and gas pipeline flow have worldwide sales potential.

Having successfully developed its UK business the company was interested in learning more about international opportunities and where to begin when it came to exporting.

Peter Tweddle from the international trade team at Business Link York and North Yorkshire met with the company and recommended that they participate in UK Trade & Investment’s Passport the Export programme.

Says Peter: “Designed to help new and novice exporters and to cut a clear path through potential overseas markets, Passport was the ideal starting point for the team at Swinton Technology”

Once they had completed the Passport workshop the company had a clearer understanding of the nuts and bolts of exporting. The next thing was a market screening exercise to prioritise key markets from a long list of world oil producing countries, and then drawing up an international trade strategy.”

Says Ben Leech, Managing Director: “With Peter on board as our international trade adviser, we were encouraged to attend seminars to learn more about overseas prospects for our products in the oil and gas sector. Being on the Passport programme opened doors to networking opportunities and other useful contacts. It also gave us access to the expertise of export promoters and UK Trade and Investment’s oil and gas sector specialists”

The company has now taken part in an overseas trade mission to Malaysia and Singapore and undertaken independent market visits, all with support from UK Trade & Investment. They are now talking to potential buyers in South East Asia, the Middle East, Nigeria and Scandinavia.

Adds Peter Tweddle: “We plan to continue supporting Swinton’s international sales development through continued access to UK Trade & Investment services worldwide, and through local support schemes.”