Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

Diamond H is a specialist manufacturer of controls for domestic cookers and, as Simon Simpson, sales & marketing director, explains: “There are now less cookers made in the UK and the competition to supply controls for them is intense. So we took the decision that we must find new markets if we were to survive.”

Traditionally, the company had exported some products to Commonwealth countries but it became clear that it needed to look elsewhere. “That was when UKTI came up trumps,” says Simpson.

“We had become aware that Egypt has a significant number of cooker manufacturers.

“Indeed, one company alone needs 700,000 gas thermostats a year, which is almost equivalent to the entire UK market.

“So we contacted our local UKTI office to see what help was available. We were able to commission a market report for just £850, which was prepared by staff at the British embassy in Cairo.

“What came back far exceeded our expectations with so much useful information and contacts.

“As a result we asked them to organise a visit for us in October last year.

“Appointments were made and all the details taken care of, even down to making sure there was an English speaker present.

“When we had problems getting our product through local customs, the embassy staff came to our help.

“We have been so impressed with the service that we have started the same process in Brazil and several European countries by commissioning OMIS reports.

“Our first order for 30,000 parts for Egypt is done and should lead to £600,000 for that manufacturer alone.”

Diamond H has a history going back over 80 years having started in London making light switches.

By the time it moved to Norwich in the 1960s it was designing and making products ranging from domestic heating and cooking control to electronics and military relays.

It now concentrates on producing a comprehensive range of electric, gas and electronic controls.