A high-tech music publisher in the Midlands is celebrating after doubling its export trade across the world.
Kenilworth-based AKM Music provides a service for the media and marketing industry, offering music either off the shelf or individually composed for a client.
The company gained support from the Governmentbacked UK Trade & Investment organisation for help in developing its overseas business.
It joined the organisations's Passport scheme which gives new exporters training, planning and ongoing support to help them succeed overseas.
Previously export orders accounted for about five per cent of its sales - that figure has now doubled.
The company has introduced an instant track download facility direct from its website www. akm music.co.uk. This allows customers from anywhere in the world to download music mp3s with a licence to use in seconds. The company is exporting to Spain, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Scandinavia, Australia, the US, Canada and Japan, and has taken its first order from China.
Managing director Anthony Kimber-McTiffen said: "We received support from UK Trade & Investment to help with the installation of the download system, which we anticipate will be especially popular with our overseas customers." Anthony started the business in 1995 and employs ten composers and a part-time assistant.
UK Trade & Investment international trade advisor Malcolm Valuing said: "It is amazing what can be achieved with an excellent product, real expertise and targeted promotion - you don't need to be a mega-sized corporation to break into export markets."
AKM has more than 1,500 tracks in over 40 styles - all available to listen to online.
The company's client list includes ITV Network, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, BAA, Sony and Barclays.
UK Trade & Investment brings together the work of teams in British embassies overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England, international trade support is coordinated by nine international trade directors with each Regional Development Agency.
UK Trade & Investment services are delivered locally through a network of International Trade Teams typically located in Business Link operators or Chambers of Commerce.
