A Suffolk-based company has Australia in its sights, after enrolling in UK Trade & Investment's Passport to Export Programme.

The programme, delivered in the East of England by East of England International (EEI) provides support to new and inexperienced exporters, to expand into new markets and increase the chances of export success.

Lowestoft-based Harnser Solutions Ltd produces safe, portable lifting devices including the Eazi-Lifter hoist which can be fitted to a window opening, attached to a scaffold tube, located in a truck or boat socket or fixed to a building. The hoist combines improved productivity, ease of use and protection from falls from height.


In its first major overseas venture, Harnser used UKTI’s Passport to Export Programme to crack the lucrative United States market where its portable hoist is now used exclusively by one of the countries leading window replacement companies.

Before entering the Australian market, however, Harnser enlisted the help of UKTI and commissioned an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS). The company was able to enter the Australian market with confidence, armed with the knowledge and expertise usually only available to locals and has now returned home to the UK with three prospective distributors.

CEO Jeff Crowder said: "Australia has high standards and it’s a receptive market, always willing to try new things. UKTI made all the difference – they reduced our cost, risk and time, and transformed what would otherwise have been a lonely experience.

"You can only get a good return from a good service, and I think our results speak for themselves. OMIS has made all the difference to our success."

Harnser has been using UKTI’s new Business Centre located in the British Consulate-General, Sydney as the base for its expansion into Australia.

For more information about Harnser Solutions Ltd, visit: www.harnsersolutions.com.

(JM)