Wilmslow based Tidy Tot is tapping into global demand for its baby bibs and trays, which it now exports to over 25 countries.
Since its creation in 2015, the business has worked with the Department for International Trade (DIT) on its export strategy, and this year took its first steps into China, with sales of over £200k planned in the country for 2020.
The company’s main export markets are Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, Canada, France and Spain. Tidy Tot estimates that 1 in 10 babies in Hong Kong own one of its products.
An analysis of HMRC data conducted by DIT has found that in the year to August 2019, the UK exported £124.9 million worth of baby garments and accessories. This is an increase of 25.1% on the previous year.
Significant growth was seen in Hong Kong, where exports rose 650% to a value of £9.3 million, while exports to the UAE rose by over 150% to £4.4 million.
The UK also exported £21.4 million worth of baby carriages during this period.
Jennifer Unsworth, Founder of Tidy Tot, commented:
“We’ve been really encouraged by how well our products have been received in a number of countries, and thanks to DIT we’ve been able to grow our exports year on year.
“Just this week we’ve launched a new product, the Cover & Catch bib and this is testament to the quality of our product and the growth of demand around the world.
“If small businesses like ours can export to over 25 countries then I’m sure that many others can too”.
Paul Stowers, Head of the North West region at the Department for International Trade, commented:
“Businesses of all shapes and sizes in the North West are tapping into global demand for their goods and services, and Tidy Tot is a fantastic example of this.
“With almost 70 international trade advisers in the Northern Powerhouse region, my Department stands ready to help businesses of all kinds break into new markets and expand their existing overseas sales.
“We provide a range of advice and services to help you get there, so do get in touch with your local DIT office today”.
This comes as parents and parents-to-be are heading to London this weekend for The London Baby show. Taking place three times a year at ExCeL London, NEC Birmingham and Olympia London it attracts over 70,000 expectant and new parents, babies and grandparents every year.
