As part of Made in Britain’s International Trade Programme and ahead of Made in Britain’s ‘Exporting to Europe’ session on 29 September (members can register here), we are delighted to showcase Roman's exports to Europe
SHOWER designer and manufacturer, Roman has been providing showering solutions for over 37 years. The well-established brand operates in over 70 markets worldwide
All Roman products are proudly designed and made in Britain, are fully UKCA and CE compliant and exceed all international standards with full traceability for a minimum of 10 years, offering the ultimate in quality, precision and craftsmanship.
David Osborne (left), managing director of Roman, took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions from Made in Britain.
Tell us a bit about your company and what you make.
Roman has been designing and manufacturing showering solutions in the UK for nearly 40 years. All Roman’s manufacturing takes place at our headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. We have three manufacturing plants; for shower enclosures, bath screens and wet rooms; for solid surface fabrication of basins, vanity units and bathroom structures with case goods and furniture integrated into designs; and for moulding solid surface shower trays. We also have established subsidiaries in Ireland and Malaysia.
How long have you been exporting to Europe and to which countries?
We have been exporting to Europe on a serious level for 10 – 15 years primarily to Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Holland and Belgium.
Which countries or regions beyond Europe do you export to?
Beyond Europe we export to all major markets in the Middle East with a hub in Dubai. Roman’s subsidiary in Malaysia serves the Asia Pacific region. Many other markets, for example, individual markets in Africa or the Caribbean, come to us via Hotel Specifications and Hotel Design control books.
How do you sell in to Europe (via distributors, agents, e-commerce etc.)?
We sell in Ireland via our own distribution subsidiary, covering all market sectors. The retail market in Spain, Portugal and France is via an own brand for a large Portuguese Ceramic company. Everything else is through large construction projects and Hotels, which are via specifications done mostly in the UK with major Hotel Groups looked after by Roman’s dedicated Specification Team.
What one practical tip would you give to Made in Britain members to help them sell more of what they make to Europe?
Try to understand how you can make your product or service unique in some way in every individual market.
Made in Britain is holding an online discussion about export opportunities on 29 September. Made in Britain members are invited to join an informal, online discussion on exporting to Europe. The roundtable discussion will welcome input from members on both the challenges and opportunities for UK exporters.
Europe is one of the world’s largest single markets with no tariffs between member countries. It is home to over 450 million consumers and around 22 million SMEs.
A representative of the Department for International Trade team in Europe plus members of Made in Britain’s International Trade Panel will help fuel this discussion that is open to all Made in Britain members, across sectors, sizes and experience of trade with Europe, be that extensive, significant, minor or not yet begun.