Andel’s global distributor conference takes place in Yorkshire

Award-winning Yorkshire manufacturer, Andel, has just wrapped up its Export Distributor Conference, which brought together dealers and partners from all corners of the globe including the Americas, Europe and Asia. The conference comes as the Huddersfield-based manufacturer celebrates a 25% increase in export sales last year. Delegates attended from more than seven countries across the world – an increase from five at the last conference in 2015. Guests previewed two new product launches and took part in an ideas workshop for future development. Andel’s Managing Director, Julie Greenwood, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome so many of our partners from abroad. ‘Exports are part of our growth strategy. They were up 25% in 2017 and we are aiming for further 50% growth in 2018. ‘There are huge benefits to trading overseas and it is becoming more important because of Brexit. By widening the marketplace, we can spread business risk. Companies which trade all over the globe are more protected against any change in their European sales position. ‘It’s also crucial that we keep bringing international suppliers to Yorkshire as we continue to build the Northern Powerhouse. ‘It reinforces the relationship and underlines our commitment to supporting them. By showing the products in development, distributors have confidence new items will come online so it’s worth them investing in developing their markets for us. It also gives them a sense of belonging to a growing ambitious professional company. ‘I’m pleased to say feedback from the conference has been really positive too.’ Jim Brunell from US-based Optimum Controls Corporation attended the conference. He said: ‘It was a great experience to learn about the products, touch the equipment, as well as, see them actually work. ‘It is hard to explain the importance of actually meeting the individuals responsible who create, develop, market and support the product. ‘After the conference, I came back to the States with product knowledge, assurance of a great quality product, and the comfort that there are quality individuals to support all aspects of selling, marketing and servicing these products.’ Julie Greenwood added: ‘To continue to support our distributors we plan to participate in exhibitions with some of them later in the year which we see us travel to Poland, Ireland and Australia.’ The win completes a year of success in 2017 for the manufacturer which also saw it celebrate 25 years in business.