The company, currently at Stage 4: Export Growth, has an established international presence, with recent successes including a partnership with a leading dealer in New Zealand. However, they initially engaged with the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Export Support Programme, delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce to address challenges around freight and logistics.
The first meeting included wide-ranging discussions covering every aspect of exporting, including routes to market, existing areas of success, and opportunities for expansion. Conversation moved on to live enquiries and how to negotiate and progress them in Canada, USA, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as ambitions to enter the Gulf region.
Through the BGWM Export Support Programme, tailored advice was provided on shipping options, recommending approaches such as DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and CFR to streamline delivery and reduce risk. Freight quotes were sourced through trusted contacts, alongside practical guidance and market-specific insights for Canada and other regions, with ongoing dialogue over the following months.
Further meetings helped progress these opportunities alongside the company’s own extensive export activity. As a result, orders, developments, and trials in Canada, the USA, New Zealand and other markets were successfully secured, with strong partner relationships established. Strategic and practical planning in these regions is now generating consistent daily activity for their international partners.
A side conversation also resolved an issue concerning trial lifts in the Netherlands, including costs and return logistics. This demonstrated the flexibility of the BGWM Export Support Programme, where support extends across all aspects of international trade. As one exchange highlighted: “It was lovely meeting you last week. Thank you for your advice regarding the return of the lift from the Netherlands; it will be arriving with us on Monday.” This responsiveness reflects the real-world value of the support provided.
With growing confidence, the company began exploring opportunities in the Gulf region. Using provided contacts, market intelligence, and strategic guidance, Passenger Lift Solutions now has a clear “go-to/how-to” plan covering multiple routes to market across five territories. While some activity has been impacted by regional challenges, relationship-building and market development are ongoing, with strong potential for future success.
Reflecting on the support received, Beckie Sneddon said:
“Thanks for sending this through, it has certainly given us food for thought. All help is very much appreciated.”
From an advisory perspective, the support has focused on strengthening distributor and agent relationships, improving logistics solutions in key markets such as Canada, and developing tailored market entry strategies across the Gulf, Australia, and beyond. This has been underpinned by guidance on sales, marketing, pricing, and ongoing market intelligence.
As a result of the support through the BGWM Export Support Programme, the company has:
- Secured new international orders and increased export volumes
- Expanded into new and emerging markets
- Strengthened global partnerships and routes to market
- Developed clearer, more strategic international growth plans
The impact of this work has accelerated the company’s global expansion, providing both practical solutions and long-term strategic clarity.
David Zell, Assistant Delivery Manager for Business Programmes at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said: “The Export Support Programme, run by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of BGWM and West Midlands Combined Authority, is a fantastic programme offering free, in-depth, subject-specific expertise support to businesses within the West Midlands, enabling them to grow their potential through international exporting channels. The team are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and driven to ensure that businesses can thrive and grow off the support that is on offer. The programme is 100% committed to achieving success – and is one not to be missed.”
Steve Parker commented “It has been great to see and in a small way contribute to and share the successes in the markets above and more. During our work together, I discovered that in the Gulf region and other countries, there is a description that is used to cover people with all disabilities and older people who are less mobile. They call them ‘People of Determination’. Seeing UK and particularly locally made products in Global markets is a real thrill for everyone; there is more to come”
Ready to take your business global? For more information go to https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/exporting-starts-here/
Contact the Chamber today and one of its advisers will be in touch to support your export journey.
*Provided by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), the project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
