Bell rang the changes to win export success

Bell Packaging, of the Barratt Industrial Park, in Airport Way, Luton, was one of the first companies in the UK to produce transparent packaging for the retail sector.

The company makes more than 350 different sizes and shapes of packaging to companies including Masterfoods, John Lewis, Autoglym and Henkel.

Bell Packaging increased its focus on exporting 12 years ago. The decision was motivated by challenges it faced, as their UK customers closed factories and sourced cheaper products from abroad.

Company director, Peter Lennie, pictured, said: “This began in France and as demand for our products grew, we targeted other countries including Holland, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Scandinavia. We achieved success in breaking into all of these markets and overseas sales now make up over 40 per cent of our business.”

Bell Packaging has worked closely with UKTI, since it began considering overseas markets. Peter added: “We’ve developed a close relationship with UKTI, who advised us from the start on approaching new markets. Our International Trade Advisor, Anton Rudgalvis, has been instrumental in guiding us along the way and making us aware of support and funding that is available from UKTI when exploring new markets. It is not just marketing and financial support that we have received but also help from local embassies.”

Last year a key supplier of Bell Packaging went into administration in Holland and the company had difficulty in contacting the supplier, leaving their business in a difficult situation. The British Embassy in Holland was able to rectify the situation for Bell Packaging by contacting the administrator, implementing a resolution and establishing a new supplier.

Peter said:“This would not have happened without the introduction and contacts provided by UKTI. The past three years for all manufacturers has been very challenging and it has been extremely reassuring to have Embassy support available in the countries where we trade.”

Bell Packaging is now looking to expand into Eastern Europe and has commissioned market research from UKTI for countries including Romania, Poland and Russia.

Anton said: “There is a close working relationship between UKTI and Bell Packaging – a company I have been working with for over 10 years. I’m very proud of the great achievements this company has made in Europe. They have reaped the rewards from investing the necessary time and resource into their overseas activity.”

Visit www.bellpackaging.com and www.ukti.gov.uk