With the Australian Cricket team’s performance in England on the current Ashes tour, I thought that this was really interesting. Recent trade figures show that Australia has maintained its position as the UK’s largest export market for cricket and polo equipment in 2014, with exports worth £1.1 million; an increase of 13% on 2013 figures.
“The UK and Oz are both cricket-mad nations and it’s great to see the Aussies continue to be bowled over by the excellent standard of our sporting equipment. I encourage all companies to take advantage of government support for exporters and sell their premium British-made products abroad.” Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Francis Maude commented.
The Rt. Hon. The Lord Maude explained that one company taking advantage of the demand Down Under is Hawk Cricket. Established in 1996, the independent family company skillfully handcrafts its cricket bats in its Worcestershire workshop and also sells a range of cricketing apparel. Hawk Cricket has seen its business grow 40% in the last 3 years with the company offering its customers additional services such as embroidery and leisurewear.
“Exporting our cricket bats has transformed our business and we’ve seen a significant difference over the past 2 years. As well as Australia and New Zealand, we’re considering new markets in the Middle East.” Mike Hawk, co-founder of Hawk Cricket commented.
Mr. Hawk went on to explain that Hawk Cricket took its first steps into the international market in 2005 when the team joined a UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) trade trip to Australia. The team was introduced to local business contacts and used these new relationships to launch the business into Australasia. Its exporting business has gained ground in recent years and exports of cricket bats to Australia and New Zealand now account for 10% of the company’s entire business.