Birmingham-based Shaker UK is causing a stir with its new international office in Cape Town.

Shaker UK, of Jubilee Centre, Pershore Street, delivers training in bartending to the hospitality industry. Its UK ventures include helping to set up the award-winning bar at the Kenilworth Hotel in 2005.

Established in 2001, Shaker UK now employs nine full-time and about 20 part-time staff and has an annual turnover of #350,000.

The company turned to UK Trade & Investment a year ago for help in setting up the South African business – its first overseas venture.

Shaker UK joined UK Trade & Investment's Passport initiative – a flagship scheme that gives new exporters the training, planning and ongoing support they need to succeed overseas – and is due to complete the programme shortly.

Through Passport, the company has benefited from a package of support including a free export health check, attending an export workshop, assistance in formulating an international trade strategy and matched funding to help implement it, training and mentoring advice, and membership of the Midlands World Trade Forum, the regional export club.

Managing director Adam Freeth said: "The support from Passport enabled me to go on two market visits to South Africa this year, which was fantastic."

He has formed a partnership agreement with Nick Cursi, of Birmingham training organisation Purple Monster, who is in charge of the South African company.

Shaker BarSchool opened its Cape Town premises in October, employing two people, and has already delivered three five-day courses, including one for disadvantaged children. The company has linked up with a local charity to train 120 youngsters per year, with a view to giving them opportunities to work in the catering industry.

Mr Freeth added: "We have had excellent feedback from the courses – that we're providing exactly what South Africa needs. Cape Town is an ideal location for tourists as the weather is perfect for sipping cocktails all day, but the local bar industry needs training to meet the standards of international customers.

"Our courses are different from other bar schools, they have a 75 per cent practical weighting, the real thing is used when it comes to alcohol, fruit, herbs and juices, and our expert trainers are some of the best cocktail mixologists.

"One of our Birmingham team, Anil Sabharwal, a UK bartending champion who has trained at least 2,000 people, has gone to South Africa to lead training.

"Our recruitment service Shaker ProLink will assist British bartenders in South Africa and South Africans in the UK."

UK Trade & Investment international trade adviser Mark Sankey, based at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is an excellent example of how the Passport programme can achieve export success. Adam's personal drive and enthusiasm are commendable."