Bradford firm Acorn Mobility is breaking out into new markets world-wide and has secured a lucrative deal with a new partner in Belgium.

The firm, which has grown since it dipped its toe into exporting at the start of the year, has developed overseas business thanks to help from the International Trade Team at Business Link Bradford & District.

Acorn, based in Sackville Street, was founded by chairman and managing director John Jakes in 1992 and has grown from being a dealer in mobility aids to becoming the leading UK manufacturer and direct seller of stairlifts.

The company has recently opened offices in North America and found customers in South Africa, Spain and Russia. The Belgium partnership has helped the firm create a new company called Acorn Trapliften.

The firm started with a handful of workers when it was set up and now has 60 based at its headquarters and a factory and after sales division in Norwood Avenue, Shipley - a former textile dyeworks.

Sales and marketing director Chris Roper said: "We feel confident about our prospects in Belgium and the rest of Europe. Our products are designed to be easy to use and with a slight modification for the power supply they are compatible and suitable for use anywhere. We believe that we now have a stairlift for the world."

Acorn Mobility took advantage of a recent Export Explorer trade mission to Belgium.

Chris Roper added: "For new exporters the Export Explorer missions are a great way of getting the ball rolling. A firm can have a list of contacts prepared and travel with a group of like-minded people. It means that you can get into exporting without having to drop everything in the UK."

For further information about the Export Explorer scheme contact Franoise Joyce on (01274) 751385.

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