CENTURY-old Bury firm, Excelsior Ltd, has galloped its way into 10 global markets with support from UK Trade and Investment.

When the firm acquired equestrian products supplier Classic Showjumps in February, 2010, it inherited several trade accounts, only two of which were export customers.

Excelsior, based in Deal Street, took part in the Gateway to Global Growth programme run by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to increase its exporting expertise, and has now achieved new orders worth £75,000. The orders have come through new distributors in Germany, France, Holland, Belgium and across Scandinavia and the Middle East, secured through UKTI’s Overseas Market Introduction Service.

The business has also exhibited at a major Equestrian trade show in Cologne, with UKTI funding, which proved to be a huge success.

The company’s equestrian success echoes Excelsior’s early beginnings. The firm was established in 1897 in Rochdale, as a horse-drawn coal cart operation, before moving into fibre products.

Joint managing director Giles Fielding is the driving force behind Excelsior’s move back into the equestrian trade.

He explained: “The family business was handed down through several generations and now to me by my father, John Fielding.

“Acquiring Classic Showjumps is not only an expression of my personal interest in show jumping, it takes us back to our equestrian roots.”

Excelsior’s history also led the company to UKTI, says Giles: “When my father first set out to export our fibre products in Scandinavia and Europe, he received support from UKTI. So, when I told him that I was looking to expand into the equestrian world, he recommended their invaluable expertise and contacts on the ground overseas.”

Classic Showjumps now exports a large range of products for the paddock, stable and yard such as mounting blocks, poles and tack/feed bins.

Giles added: “Tapping into UKTI initiatives has had a huge impact on our exporting capabilities and knowledge of overseas markets and we have been delighted with the response to our product range throughout the world.”