INNOVATIVE STAFFORDSHIRE COMPANY DRIVES ITS EXPORT BUSINESS FORWARD An innovative software and technology-based solutions provider is reaching new markets – with help from UK Trade & Investment. Data Driven Logistics, of Cemetery Road, Stoke-on-Trent, has developed an electronic proof of delivery system known as PenPOD, which has been recently selected and implemented by a major UK supermarket chain extending its direct home delivery service. The product is based on a unique web based forms application and compleiments the company’s award winning successful Pen2PC data management solution, both of which use digital pen and paper technology. Products that also feature in Data Driven’s growing innovative portfolio and now relied upon by leading companies in the logistics, construction and services sectors include: warehouse and transportation software, vehicle tracking, online order tracking and remote worker solutions. Formed in April 2004, Data Driven Logistics now has 20 employees based between its UK headquarters and remote office locations in Toronto, Canada, and Brisbane, Australia. The company has invested in research and development to create a range of innovative low cost products, which are expected to take its annual turnover over £1m in the year ahead. In April 2006, Data Driven Logistics joined UK Trade & Investment’s Passport initiative - a flagship scheme that gives new exporters the training, planning and ongoing support they need to succeed overseas. The company has so far focussed its export activities around supply of its warehousing and transportation solutions but is beginning to attract interest in its digital pen and paper solutions and is hopeful that this will lead to similar success to that experienced in the UK. Through Passport, Data Driven Logistics is benefiting from a package of support, inclusive of: a free export health check, attending an export workshop, assistance in formulating an international trade strategy and matched funding to help implement this strategy, quality training and mentoring advice, access to the full range of UK Trade & Investment services and membership of the Midlands World Trade Forum, the regional export club. Managing director Kevin Griffiths said: “UK Trade & Investment helped us set up the operations in Canada and Australia, both of which opened towards the end of last year, with extensive advice and support for market research, and assisted us on legal matters, providing us with the confidence to extend our current European and North American presence. “At present, our annual export sales are about £100,000. We consider that we are on course to double this figure over the next year, thanks to the support and guidance we have received from UK Trade & Investment and particularly our international trade adviser, Cheryl Ness who has advised us on the more detailed aspects of licensing and contracts and brought to our attention further funding opportunities available for market research.” Senior international trade adviser Cheryl Ness, based at North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: ”Data Driven Logistics is a fantastic company to work with. The team are determined and dedicated to developing their business into the international market place and have been enthusiastic and committed to the UK Trade & Investment services they have been involved with. “I am looking forward to helping them further with their overseas strategy and am confident that they will succeed in all areas of their business activities.” Picture caption: Senior UK Trade & Investment international trade adviser Cheryl Ness is pictured with Kevin Griffiths, managing director of Data Driven Logistics, at the company’s premises. For more details about Data Driven Logistics Ltd, contact the company on 08707 202030, or visit the website www.datadrivenlogistics.com For more information about how UK Trade & Investment can help your business expand into new markets abroad, contact the international trade team at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce on Tel: 01782 202222. |
