A GROWING sports nutrition business in Bradford has appointed specialists Chamber International to support a major export drive.

Hi Mark International, which has a £40m turnover, has appointed the Bradford-based overseas trade specialists to help export its new range of sports nutrition supplements following their successful UK launch.

The Low Moor firm's new Body Sculpture range has gained a significant percent of the company’s UK turnover since being launched at the start of 2018.

Manufactured in the UK and EU to rigorous quality standards, including Halal and US Federal Drug Administration, the range was devised by Hi Mark International managing director, Kevin Dunk. It is being sold through e-commerce by the company online and through major retailers and health and fitness centres.

Hi Mark International, which traces its Bradford roots back to the 1960s, also manufactures a wide range of fitness and sports goods, including exercise bikes, treadmills and rowing machines, in China, which are imported for sale in the UK and exported to 65 countries worldwide through a sales office in Taipei, Taiwan.

Kevin Dunk, who joined the business three years ago, said: “Our Body Sculpture UK sales are developing rapidly, and we are now starting exports for this new and exciting product range.

“The UK sports nutrition market is growing and is forecast to grow considerably in some overseas markets. We believe the opportunity exists for a truly global brand proposition but there are challenges, as with all food exports, so we will be taking our growth in planned strategic steps.

“Chamber International is a trusted organisation, perfectly placed to support us by enabling direct contact with key decision makers, and assisting our exports cost effectively as we gain traction in these markets.“

Chamber International will be using its overseas networks to support export of the Body Sculpture range with overseas product registration with major retailers, distributors, online retailers, pharmacies and potential sellers in each country’s supplements and vitamins market. The initial target export markets are UAE, China, Singapore and Europe.

Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, said: “The rigorous quality standards applied for the development of the Body Sculpture brand, including Halal approval and an FDA-accredited UK manufacturer, creates a strong platform for exporting into a rapidly-growing health and fitness market and our team is working to develop contacts in the initial target countries.”

Chamber International helps new and experienced exporters with a wide range of specialist services to make exporting easier and more cost effective.