Dutch distribution deal for Inverness firm
Inverness company Macrae Marketing International (MMi) has signed an exclusive deal with Dutch company Happy Sun Life.
MMi, an import and export firm specialising in sourcing products from the USA to launch them into the UK retail market, secured the partnership with the help of Highland Council’s European business adviser Michelle Denoon.
The link was fostered through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Scotland, a European Commission project delivered and supported in Scotland by Scottish Enterprise and The Highland Council.
The Dutch firm in turn reached out to its own local EEN team in the Netherlands to find agents for their sun care product.
The companies have now joined forces and have signed an exclusive distributor agreement.
Mr McRae said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to expand distribution of Hang-O-Matic in Europe, the Netherlands is a new market for us. Furthermore, for MMi to secure the You & UV distribution licence for both the UK and the USA emphasises the depth of our business relationship with Happy Sun Life.
Having just returned from a week of business meetings in New York I am delighted to say that the reaction to You & UV was very encouraging; we expect to reach a deal with our North American partners very soon.
"The Highland Council Enterprise Europe Network team was instrumental in creating this new European partnership, especially, business advisor, Michelle Denoon, without whom these exciting European and transatlantic opportunities would not have been possible. We are grateful for her support and expertise."
Councillor Allan Henderson, chairman of Highland Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee, congratulated MMi on their deal and praised the work of the council’s Enterprise Europe Network team in bringing the two companies together.
He said: "The team work hard to help businesses make the most of opportunities in the EU and beyond.
"They have the reach, expertise and tailor-made services to find the right international partners and can also use their extensive local knowledge to help take innovative products into new markets.
"I encourage any businesses looking to expand internationally to contact them to see if they can provide any assistance."
