Grid Smarter Cities, a Newcastle-based tech company, has secured its first overseas deal with the support of the Department for International Trade (DIT). The firm will be working with Dublin City Council to introduce a kerb management app designed to reduce emissions, improve traffic flow and increase safety in the city.
The software developed by Grid Smarter Cities gives drivers the ability to book a virtual loading bay on previously restricted kerb space, helping reduce time looking for a space and wasting emissions. The firm’s customers include services including taxi firms and waste management companies.
The app is expected to go live in late July in a bid to aid traffic management in the city centre.
Senior leaders from Grid Smarter Cities were introduced to the Dublin City Council opportunity via contacts developed as part of DIT-led trade mission to Singapore in 2018. The business has also been working closely with DIT to meet potential buyers in other international markets including the United States, China and Brazil during trade missions.
To support the company’s anticipated export growth, the firm’s team is set to double within the next year.
Neil Herron, Managing Director of Grid Smarter Cities, said: “Knowing exactly where you’ll park before you start your journey has the potential to revolutionise the face of our cities. As congestion increases and delivery services explode, our app can reduce pollution and contribute to happier, healthier lives of city residents.
“Making connections with city leaders to introduce our product however is not always so easy. DIT has been particularly supportive in this regard, arranging face-to-face meetings with prospective buyers across the world.
“Now we’ve secured our first overseas deal, we are stepping up our export activity, and plan to enter new markets including the US and Brazil. If we can do it, so can many others.”
David Coppock, head of regions (North East) at DIT, said: “Grid Smarter Cities is a fantastic example of the outstanding innovation currently taking place in the North East. The company is accelerating its international growth after realising the true potential of its software and is using our support to kick-start its exporting journey. I hope this contract is the first of many for Neil and his team.
“From navigating barriers such as language to the logistics of exporting, we have a team of ITAs ready to help companies looking to export. We also have colleagues based across the globe to help organise meetings with potential buyers and arrange for translators to be present when needed. Whether it’s selling a product or service, I’d encourage businesses to get in touch with our team now to see how they could reap the benefits of exporting.”
