Cambridge company develops export strategy

Advice and funding from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has helped Newton-based manufacturer of fibre optic spectrophotometers AstraNet gain international exposure for its AstraGene DNA measurement instrument. AstraNet MD Mike Mills first contacted UKTI in 2006 when he received help with enhancing his company’s exporting and marketing skills through the Passport to Export scheme. He also received and support to attend ACHEMA in
Frankfurt and has since been able to benefit from further help and advice. “Our business operates in a very competitive global environment, so it is vital for us to maintain a high level of visibility and a clear display of our unique selling points at all times. And we must also be proactive in seeking out opportunities in this very niche market,” Mike Mills said. “This is where UKTI’s help adds a lot of value to our export strategy: the financial support and advice we receive from them is helping us make new contacts as well as get our products noticed on the international marketplace.”

In March this year, UKTI provided funding to enable the company to attend pittcon 2011 held in Atlanta – which gave AtraNet entries into new markets in North America, South America and Asia, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and India. The company also won the 2011 pittcon Editors Choice Bronze Award for Best New Product for the AstraGene low volume spectrophotometer which resulted in increased interest in the product, Mr Mills said. Dave Revitt comment: “AstraNet is a great example of what Cambridge and the East of England has to offer in terms of scientific know-how and we are delighted to be able to support the presence of a home-grown company on the global laboratory instrument marketplace. The company has made significant progress in a very short time and we look forward to carrying on supporting their growth further in the future.”