Great British Design in New York

Last week a press release was issued by UKTI and Norwegian Air on the Trade Mission to New York. This explains a little bit more about the trip. Jin Designs was also featured in Brighton's Argus as news spread around the press and business publications about this fantastic opportunity. Brighton Argus A Hove based retailer is hoping to take its business sky high after securing a place on the prestigious ‘Great British Design in New York’ market visit to New York. Jin Designs – which designs and produces high quality home and giftware - will participate in the apprentice-style market visit this week arranged by low-cost airline Norwegian and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) South East. Under the theme ‘Great British Design in New York’ Jin Designs will join nine other leading small businesses as they travel to New York to exhibit at ‘NY NOW’– the leading trade show for home, gift and lifestyle retailers. During the five-day trip the businesses will also meet leading retail buyers and attend a briefing at the British Consulate to gain insight into the competitive market. The U.S. is already one of the South East’s top exporting market, having expanded by a massive 55% to £8.1 billion in the year ending September 2015 – and Jin Designs is hoping to become part of that success story with its unique British designs. Jinny Ursell said: “We are really excited at the opportunities this trip can deliver for our business and by the support provided by UKTI to understand the market. It’s going to be a real voyage of discovery in many ways – investigating routes to market, meeting US retailers and having the chance to promote Jin Designs, a British Brand in New York. It’s always been a dream to reach more global customers and now we’re presented with a massive opportunity.” The businesses will travel to New York onboard Norwegian’s unique low-cost, long-haul flights from Gatwick, which recently increased to a daily service due to demand. The airline is also set to launch new affordable routes to Boston and San Francisco/Oakland from Gatwick this spring. Dominic Tucker, Head of Sales UK at Norwegian said: “The South East is brimming with exciting entrepreneurs and start-ups looking to export into new markets but the prohibitive cost of air fares makes it difficult to meet potential clients. With this in mind, we’re committed to providing affordable flights and we are the only low-cost airline to fly direct to lucrative cities in the U.S. including New York and Los Angeles. With attractive fares to top business destinations, we’re making it easier than ever for UK small businesses to access new markets and expand globally.” Jin Designs was established by Graphic Designer, Jinny Ursell, who launched her own designs on a range of products including fine bone china mugs, tea towels, coasters and purses. The business has grown rapidly over the last 2 and a half years since launch through hard work, determination and of course, a beautifully clean and simple product range. These designs are different. They feature simple objects and plenty of space. Jinny explained: “It’s not art to be admired, it’s design that tells a story - but not my story, I’ve designed these so people can create their own stories of something that’s personal to them.” The aim of Jin Designs has always been to keep it simple. Whether it’s a design, a gift, or a home. Life can be complicated and cluttered. Jin Designs strives to offer a contrast to this - to bring space into designs, to raise a smile, to enjoy a moment to relax - and breathe. Lewis Scott, Regional Director for the South East at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), said: “As well as invaluable exposure to the South East’s top exporting market the winning companies will receive intensive support, guidance and contacts from UKTI South East International Trade Advisers and commercial staff from UKTI’s New York Trade Office. “Economic research consistently shows companies who export perform better than those who don’t. The ease of international travel, to meet overseas partners and customers face to face, is a key ingredient for South East businesses to fulfil their potential. My message to other companies who are already exporting, want to expand into new markets, or those that are completely new to exporting, is loud and clear: UKTI can help, wants to help and is ready and waiting to set you on your way.”

About Norwegian

- Norwegian first launched UK flights in 2003 and is Europe’s third largest low-cost airline. The carrier operates from London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester Airports to 34 destinations worldwide. - Norwegian is the third largest airline at London Gatwick, with 3.4 million yearly passengers as of June 2015, and with 130 pilots and 300 cabin crew working from its Gatwick base - In 2014, Norwegian introduced the UK’s first low-cost, long haul flights to the U.S. flying directly from Gatwick to New York, Boston, San Francisco, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles - Norwegian is the only airline to offer free inflight WiFi on UK flights to more than 30 European destinations -The airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world with an average age of four years, including next-generation Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737-800s.

About UKTI

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed globally and assists overseas companies to bring investment to the UK. We lead the whole of Government effort to help UK firms win business overseas and rebalance the economy towards export-led sustainable economic growth. For more information on UKTI, visit www.gov.uk/ukti

About Exporting is GREAT

Exporting is GREAT exists to help more first-time UK exporters make exporting work for them. We want to inspire businesses to make that move overseas and seize the growth it can bring. And we’re working with organisations passionate about helping UK companies to export and excel. Visit www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk now to access live business opportunities around the world, training sessions, business seminars and other events, as well as specialist trade services and support. For further information about Norwegian visit www.norwegian.com/uk or follow on Twitter @norwegianuk