The UK’s oldest umbrella maker is increasing its exports on to the traditional markets as well as emerging economies. Last year exports overtook domestic sales for the first time; 54% of orders came from abroad.
“In Russia and China the new middle classes want to buy traditional, well-made British products.”says company owner Ray Garett. The company also exports to the USA, Australia, and Europe.
Despite the financial crisis, the company has continued to experience year-on-year sales growth. Their trade is not seasonal, because it is always raining somewhere in the world. In Japan, their umbrellas are used in rainy weather and also as parasols in sunny weather.