Northamptonshire trailer firm rolls its way to exporting success

5th June 2015

A Daventry-based trailer manufacturer has been recognised as one of the UK’s top SMEs for exporting activity.

Brian James Trailers has been named in the inaugural Sunday Times BT Business SME Export Track 100. The league recognises SMEs in the UK with the fastest growing international sales over the last two years. International trade accounts for more than 50% of Brian James Trailers’ total turnover.

The company has nearly 100 employees in more than 40 dealerships across England and expects staff numbers to grow as overseas sales continue to do so.

The manufacturer purchased additional premises late last year with funding from Yorkshire Bank to accommodate growing overseas sales. The new premises will help make the exporting process more efficient as the company can now facilitate container handling from the main site.

Brandon James, managing director of Brian James Trailers, said: “We are honoured to have been recognised for our exporting achievements in this prestigious league, as exporting is an area we have heavily focused upon in recent years. Yorkshire Bank’s support, which helped us purchase our new warehouse, has been integral in enhancing our value-for-money offer in international markets, particularly in Europe.”

The firm’s impressive motor industry customer base includes household names such as Aston Martin and Mercedes UK. The manufacturer has also provided Formula 1 with top-of-the-range trailers to transport racing and show cars across Europe.

Brandon James recently hosted a manufacturing event in partnership with Yorkshire Bank. The event saw 15 owners of growing local businesses given a tour of the manufacturing facilities and newly acquired premises. Kevin Rimmer, head of manufacturing for Yorkshire Bank, then delivered a presentation on key developments and opportunities within the sector and practical advice for businesses.

Kevin Rimmer, head of manufacturing for Yorkshire Bank, said: “Brian James Trailers is an example of an ambitious manufacturer taking advantage of the high level of growth potential in the sector. This is a fantastic achievement for a well-known local business.

“The UK manufacturing sector is one of the Bank’s priority areas and we remain committed to working with businesses across the wide spectrum of manufacturing companies.”

Yorkshire Bank has strengthened its support for UK SMEs by becoming the first to partner with the British Business Bank under its ENABLE Guarantees scheme. Up to £125m of new lending by Yorkshire Bank, will help more small businesses achieve their growth ambitions.