While the UK domestic market is hugely important, for the Welsh economy to thrive it needs more firms winning orders for their products and services overseas.
And here we feature 25 Welsh export champions - both indigenous and international - that are doing just that by driving impressive growth in overseas markets ranging from food and drink to fintech and manufacturing.
The list appears in alphabetical order.
Aber Fall Whisky Distillery
Last spring Aber Falls launched the first North Wales whisky for over a century.
Based at Abergwyngregyn in Gwynedd the company is one of a small number of distilleries trying to put Wales on the global whisky map.
This month they announced plans for an export drive which will see its single malt Welsh whisky available through the on and off-trade in more than 10 countries, including Australia, Germany, Denmark, and Canada.
The expansion is a long-term strategy and as part of the roll-out, Aber Falls will also be educating importers and retailers in the new markets about the growing Welsh whisky category, the brand’s history, and its vision for the future.
Airbus
Wings for most of the Airbus range of planes are made at Broughton in North Wales, which employs more than 4,000 workers.
They assemble the giant structures at the sprawling Flintshire site before they are flown by Beluga aircraft to final assembly locations in France and Germany.
It is one of the export success stories of Wales in recent years.
While aviation was badly impacted by the pandemic - which job numbers at Broughton falling from 6,000 to around 4,000 - there are hopes of a recovery, although the current crisis in Ukraine has placed that at risk.
Bisley
Newport-based office furniture manufacturer, Bisley, has a strong exports focus, shipping to 63 countries around the world - accounting for 55% of turnover.
In the past year they have added resellers in Serbia, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Estonia and Ukraine, who join a portfolio of established and successful sales and operations centres in Germany, Netherlands, France, UAE and USA.
Recent international export wins include a £1.4m order for smart technology lockers for banking staff in Palo Alto, California and £200,00 of steel storage for Al Adan Hospital in Kuwait and 6,500 lockers with for the Dutch government for a number of refugee centres.
CellPath
Newtown-based CellPath, which specialises in the manufacture and supply of equipment and services used in cancer diagnostics, already exports to over 40 countries across Europe, America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Exports currently account for over a third of group turnover.
The company has recently secured a number of key distribution agreements including a partnership with a large US-based equipment supplier, which will enable the firm to expand the list of products it is able to offer.
It is now looking to double its export turnover in the Middle East and South Asia - key target markets thanks to their rapidly growing medical sectors. To help it achieve these goals the company has invested over £2m in a new international distribution warehouse and machinery.
Celtic English Academy
Cardiff-based English language school, Celtic English Academy, has won a number of international clients in recent years, landing four major new contracts across Europe, Africa and Asia.
Most recently the British Council accredited school, which delivers online, in person and hybrid English courses to international students, has also been awarded two remote teaching contracts in Kuwait and Vietnam, which will see the school deliver online sessions with national in-country partners to support English teacher development.
Following these new contract wins, the company is now looking to further increase its international presence and is focusing on Latin America, Japan and the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, as key routes to growth.
Creo Medical
Based in Chepstow and listed on the Alternative Investment, Creo Medical, is a global leader in the emerging field of surgical endoscopy.
This year it is anticipating exports with a value of £1m, but this is forecast to reach £20m in five years time.
In 2020 it expanded its presence in Europe with a £25m acquisition of Spanish firm Albyn Medical, a specialist in the supply of gastrointestinal (GI) products to healthcare provider.
DMM
Llanberis-based DMM, which was established in 1981, designs and manufactures rock climbing, mountaineering and work at height equipment, exporting over 65% of its products across the world.
Over the last 10 years, DMM has pursued an export focused growth strategy.
Back in 2020 its target was to triple the size of its US market share and achieve 50 per cent growth in the EU by the end of 2026.
Founded by climbers, every piece of hardware bearing the DMM name is not only designed and tested but also manufactured in North Wales.
Dr Zigs
Dr Zigs makes toys that create giant-sized eco and ethical soap bubbles at its factory based in Bangor and exports across the EU and the world.
Brexit has caused some headaches for the brand but it continues to make global inroads with exports across the world - including Malaysia, Korea, and Australia.
Led by chief executive Paola Dyboski-Bryant it plans to keep expanding into new markets.
Drop Bear Beer
Set in 2019, female-owned and Gower-based Drop Bear exports to Australia, Netherlands and Spain, with Finland as a new key market after the company secured a deal with one of the country’s largest supermarket brands, K-Supermarket.
It has also expanded their product lines, transitioned from bottles to cans and achieved B-Corp status.
Owners Joelle Drummond and Sara McNena are close to confirming the site of a new brewery in South Wales to service growing domestic and international demand, which includes the US for non alcoholic drinks.
Fifth Wheel Co
Based in Denbighshire Fifth Wheel manufactures luxury touring caravans and recently announced plans to boost its exports strategy and move into new international markets.
It already exports to over 15 countries, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium and New Zealand, has set its sights on growing its global presence by expanding within Europe and targeting Asia as a new market.
Exports currently account for 25% of sales which the company hopes to double this figure to 50% in the next two years by expanding its dealer network across the globe. It is currently in talks with a Korean dealer, which will introduce the firm to a completely new market.
Frog Bikes
Based in Pontypool children’s bike manufacturer Frog Bikes, is increasing its head count by more than a third in anticipation of significant growth through export sales.
Since its launch in 2013 the company has operated with an international agenda and exports now account for 55% of its business and more than half of turnover. The company currently has around 1,800 retailers worldwide, in over 50 countries, including in America, Canada, Australia, China, New Zealand and across Europe. Most recently, Frog Bikes also secured contracts in Slovakia and Greenland, and it is currently looking for new markets.
In 2016, with the support of the Welsh Government, it moved to its 120,000 sq ft factory in Pontypool.
Genesis Biosciences
Cardiff-based life sciences firm Genesis Biosciences develops both natural microbial and antimicrobial products for a range of industries including agriculture, facilities management and water and wastewater treatment.
It exports to 50 countries around the world, with overseas’ markets accounting for is 72% of its business generated in the UK.
The firm’s highest revenue countries are Italy, France and Sweden. It also exports further afield to South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Set up in 2001, it also has a fermentation facility and laboratories in Georgia in the US.
Hexigone Inhibitors
Baglan-based manufacturer, Hexigone Inhibitors, is addressing a multi-trillion-pound global problem with its micro-reservoir technology that is added to paints and protective coatings to prevent corrosion.
With applications across a wide range of industries including construction, oil and gas, marine and aerospace, Hexigone’s products help to reduce corrosion damage.
The firm has completed multiple international deals in India, USA, Asia and South America and it is also currently in commercial talks with customers in Canada, Venezuela, Peru, and Europe.
Invertek Drives
From its Powys-based HQ Intervek Drives is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of variable frequency drives with a growing global client base.
As part of a current £100m expansion at the Newtown-based global HQ, it is creating nearly 100 new jobs.
Around 80% of its VRDS are exported, with North American see as particular hotspot for growth as well as Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Ipsen
Life sciences firm Ipsen is creating 50 high-skilled jobs at its North Wales operation as part of a £24m expansion fuelled by strong export sales.
Its R&D and manufacturing operation in Wrexham produces medicines to treat neurological conditions.
The investment will deliver a new flexible drug product manufacturing facility.
As a the result of the expansion and growing global orders, Ipsen it now recruiting for new staff in roles including those in engineering, manufacturing science and technology, R&D and finance.
K-Form
Bridgend-based K-Form is a leading manufacturer of patented concrete formwork systems.
It has clients in the architectural and construction sector in the USA, Australasia, Scandinavia, Middle East, Caribbean, Europe, and South America.
Exports currently account for around 15% of sales, with plans for double digit growth. It has just agreed a distributor in the US that will help drive its international growth. It also benefit from having a strong patent, which positions its well with international customers.
Learna
Cardiff-based postgraduate online learning platform Learna has driven its expansion on exports.
Around 60% of its student body, most of which are medical professionals, come from outside the UK, with their latest student cohort being made up of learners from over 75 countries, with key markets including Ireland, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, South Africa, UAE, Sub Saharan Africa, Australia, Malta and Canada.
Learna’s 100% online programmes are completely flexible, with students studying whenever they wish, wherever they are in the world, meaning the company is well-positioned to export its services internationally.
As well as working with individual learners Learna also works with international philanthropic organisations on a not-for-profit basis, including the Merck Foundation and Novo Nordisk, to support medical scholarship students in developing regions, including Africa.
M&J Europe
Tredegar-based and family-run M&J Europe installs installing and maintaining automated conveyor systems and providing engineering solutions to firms globally.
Clients include Amazon, Kerry Steel and Tata Steel.
At present 10% of sales are overseas, but on the back of an investment from UKSE this is forecast to increase to 25% in the next three years.
The investment will also see a new factory and offices, with head count reaching 50 over the next few years.
Net World Sports
Net World Sports sends sports equipment from its Wrexham base to countries around the world.
It has shown remarkable growth in recent years with a turnover of £44 million in 2020, having grown by 121% sire 2018. This saw it named the fastest growing firm in North Wales.
It plans further expansion with work well under way on a new 400,000 sq ft headquarters in Wrexham as part of a £25m investment.
Rhug Estate
Rhug Estate, the Denbighshire award-winning organic farm, has launched a range of natural beauty and lifestyle products as part of wider plans to expand its exports programme and build its reputation as a global brand.
The farm is already famed for its organic meat, for which it holds a Royal Warrant, and supplies many of the finest hotels and restaurants around the world.
Since introducing the new arm of the business in the summer of 2020, the business has already secured two distributors and resellers in the Middle East – a key growth market for the skincare sector – including Desert Fox in Qatar and Secret Skin in Dubai, which covers all UAE countries. It also sells products at Harvey Nichols in Doha and is currently in the early stages of talks with distributors in Germany and Japan.
RM Group
Newtown based machinery manufacturer, RM Group, is expanding into the United States with the opening of a dedicated US office, following a surge in demand for its products across the globe.
The firm designs and builds both manual and automated machinery used to process and package items for industries like food and drink, construction, energy, utilities and general industry.
The company now exports its products to more than 15 countries, including Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and Iraq. In addition to recruiting a US business development manager to assist with the expansion in the US, RM is also hiring a dedicated export and business development manager to support its global ambitions, with a target to increase exports by 50% in the next two years.
Sonovate
Cardiff-based fintech venture Sonovate is on track to provide more than £1.25bn of finance and technology services to firms engaging contractors and freelancers globally this year.
Last year Sonovate funded around £150m in invoices in more than 40 non-UK territories around the world. It’s a fast-growing space that Sonovate expect will grow significantly this year.
Based on industry estimates, average growth in the top 12 economies outside the UK could reach 13% over the course of this year.
It secures its funding from investors globally. To date, more than 30,000 freelancers, contractors and gig workers globally have received payments from over 3,000 businesses supported by Sonovate.
SPTS Technologies
SPTS Technologies manufactures next-generation technology for the semi-conductor and microelectronics industry in Newport for over 40 years.
The global increase in demand for semiconductor devices has seen the business grow significantly over recent years.
The majority of its revenue are export related with more than 80% outside of Europe.
To support is growth it is investing in a new-state-of-the-art facility which will almost double its footprint in Newport, bringing additional high technology, high value jobs to the Cardiff Capital Region.
Qioptiq
St Asaph based Qioptiq, part of North American giant Excelitas Technologies specialises in the design, development, manufacture and support of complex optronic modules, systems and products for the defence and aerospace markets
Its customers include government agencies and major corporates globally.
Seen as a key player in Wales’ emerging space sector, with a 500-plus workforce, it manufactures 98% of the glass products used in space exploration with growing international customers base.
Transcend Packaging
Ystrad Mynach based sustainable packaging manufacturer, Transcend Packaging, exports to 40 countries, including every EU nation, the US and several countries within the Middle East. Exports currently account for around 40% of turnover.
With a product line that comprises sustainable straws, cups, lids and cartons, Transcend’s clients include major names within the fast service food and drink sector, including KFC, Starbucks, Five Guys and Pret A Manger, among others.
And the rapidly expanding firm has plans to expand into new product categories as the global shift to new sustainable packaging solutions accelerates.
It has secured funding from the Regional Angels Programme, delivered by British Business Investments, a commercial subsidiary of the British Business Bank.
Viscose Closures
Based in Swansea Viscose Closures manufacturers tamper-evident closures and decorative sleeves for bottles and other containers, primarily for the food, drink, cosmetic, industrial gases and pharmaceutical markets.
Last year it sold to 46 overseas locations, including North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe.
During the year exports accounted for nearly half of sales (45.55%). Its most popular ranges including lipstick, mascara, nail polish, moisturisers, vitamin capsules, aromatherapy oils and vape capsules.
