Linvic

Linvic Engineering Ltd was created in 1971 to offer a fast-track, top quality service supplying flanges to the then emerging North Sea oil industry. For the next 20 years or so they maintained their market position but were only supplying UK based customers.

In 1994 Linvic decided to target the French market and so employed a French speaking Export Sales Manager to initiate proceedings. He did this by firstly:

  • Creating a database – of potential clients
  • Getting a version of their brochure printed in French
  • Training inside sales staff to be able to respond to enquiries from French customers
  • Preparing fax templates and basic French phrases
  • Launching a multi-lingual website

 

The logistics of providing a fast delivery service to foreign countries and providing a face to face sales service to potential customers were also addressed.

Over the next couple of years sales grew steadily, as Linvic targeted new markets in Ireland, Denmark and Saudi Arabia. French sales were increasing but there were issues to be addressed. A language barrier was identified in routine feedback. Some clients had been reluctant to phone because the call was answered in English. Linvic responded by introducing the French Phone Line, a number given only to French speaking customers and a factor that has surely contributed to their continued success in this market and to the quality of the service provided.

In order to maintain their success in international markets and continue to increase sales, Linvic appointed further staff with language skills in French, Spanish and Italian and created the Italian Phone Line.

Linvic have proven that you can prosper internationally as well as contributing to your local economy. The company attributes its success to having a close association with local suppliers who it aims to source from as often as possible, and being well equipped and committed to entering foreign markets. Their success was recognised with the receipt of two major awards in 2004 – the Midlands World Trade Forum (MWTF) Exporter of the Year and the title Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business of the Year, 2004.

For more information about Linvic Engineering, visit their website at www.linvic.co.uk


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