With support from the Government’s export agency, UKTI (UK Trade & Investment), Vernacare says it has secured more than 23% of the Singapore hospital market for its ‘hygienic patient washing and toileting products’.
Emma Sheldon, group marketing director for the Bolton-based medical product supplier (pictured), recently visited Singapore and Malaysia as part of a delegation of 62 companies and city leaders from England’s Northern Powerhouse. They were joined by Prime Minister, David Cameron, and Business Secretary, Sajid Javid, for the first Northern Powerhouse trade mission – the aim being to explore business and secure jobs and investment for the Northern region.
In a speech in Singapore, David Cameron said: “The Government is committed to ensuring the UK’s northern regions play their part in rebalancing our economy. With so much untapped potential, I’m delighted to be part of this first Northern Powerhouse trade mission – the first of what I hope will be many. “He described Vernacare as ‘a great example of what the Northern Powerhouse has to offer’, adding: “Look at Vernacare, whose science helps prevent infections, in locations ranging from NHS hospitals to healthcare facilities affected by Ebola in Sierra Leone.”
Speaking alongside the Prime Minister at the Unilever offices in Singapore, Emma Sheldon, said: “It is an honour to be part of this Northern Powerhouse visit. By taking this ‘one north’ approach, and thinking outside our own local boundaries, I believe the Northern Powerhouse can tilt the UK’s economic axis, and create one of the best trade centres in Europe.”
Sales in Singapore of Vernacare’s single-use bedpans, urinals, washbowls and ‘environmentally-friendly’ disposal machines now account for 13% of the company’s international business, ‘acting as a springboard to open up new business opportunities across South East Asia’.
Other companies participating in the inaugural Northern Powerhouse trade mission included Bentley Motors, Arup, and KPMG.
