Export developments add six new countries

The last year has been interesting for our export department, with several new countries added to our list of worldwide customers.

The year started with a successful few days exhibiting at Paper World in Frankfurt. Having never attended this show before, we were delighted to meet buyers from all over the world with an interest in art and graphics, packaging and stationery, among other paper related industries. Our display of Colourmount, Day-Glo®, Educraft and Centura Pearl won us business from six new
countries and convinced us that Paper World is a worthwhile
addition to our exhibition calendar. We will be there again this year, from 26th to 30th January.

Another venue which is always a valuable salesfest is SACA, the world’s largest picture framing show which takes place in Bologna, Italy. Last year, we appointed three new Colourmount stockists, in Malta, Austria and South Africa. This year, the show takes place from 21st to 24th February and we are hoping to extend our worldwide distribution even further.

Export still accounts for only 10% of Slater Harrison’s total turnover, but is growing as we expand both our world penetration and our product offering. Colourmount continues to be the mainstay of our export range, but we are now also selling speciality products, such as Centura Pearl, into markets other than framing.

Rachael Booth, responsible for Export in Lowerhouse Mills, is confident about the future, despite the difficulties caused by the strong pound and the poor economic climate in many countries. Her commitment to our export drive is demonstrated by her success in passing the first part of the Institute of Export Diploma. She is now studying for part II in May 2002. We wish her the best of luck.

Assorted packs offer value

Why purchase just one colour when you could have them all? This seems to be the prevalent attitude of buyers in all sectors, and it’s one we are happy to agree with. Not only do customers get excellent value in a variety pack, they also have the opportunity to try out a wider range of colours, which may lead to repeat purchase of packs of individual colours.

We are now producing assorted packs of Centura Pearl paper and card under the Educraft brand for the education sector, and as an extension to the Inspirations range for the retail and office markets. Assorted packs of Centura Pearl can also be purchased from all our normal trade partners, distributors and merchants for other markets, including graphic arts and crafts.

The range includes A4 assorted packs of fifty sheets (5 sheets x 10 colours) of paper and card. Centura Pearl Colourcard is available in packs of 20 sheets (2 sheets x 10 colours) in the larger sheet size of 510 x 635mm, and Centura Pearl paper is available in sheet size 500 x 700mm, also in packs of 20 sheets (again 2 sheets x 10 colours).