Can of dodgy beer was the catalyst for firm's export boom

A Warwickshire export company is raising a toast to a faulty air-conditioning unit which led to a lucrative new arm to the business.

Nick Hansen runs Warwick-based One Source, which began life as a telecoms company before branching out into exporting craft beers and ciders to China, Macau, Hong Kong and Japan through their sister company, 'UK to Asia'.

Such is the success of the company’s ale exports, it has recruited an international trade apprentice, through Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training, to assist with the growth.

But none of it would have been possible without a piece of entrepreneurial opportunism from Nick.

“I was in Hong Kong about five years ago on telecoms business," he said. "It was really hot and we were in a high-rise building for our final meeting of the day when the air conditioning packed in.

“We decided to finish the meeting off in the pub to escape the heat and there was only one English beer available. It was in a can and it wasn’t the best! A lightbulb flicked on inside my head.

"We set about exporting some of the wonderful craft beers and ciders we have in this country, especially this region. And we are now up to around £250,000 a year in terms of export sales.

 “We are in talks to start exporting to Japan and that would really take the business to another level. The products we offer are at the luxury end of the market and there is a lot of disposable income in the Far East.”

As orders and demand grew, Paris Calder joined as an international trade and logistics apprentice, helping to process orders and develop new contacts.

 “I am really enjoying it," said Paris. "I didn’t think college was right for me but didn’t really know the types of jobs that were out there. Chamber Training put this opportunity my way and I am so happy they did because not only am I learning new skills and gaining qualifications, I am also earning at the same time."

Ajay Desai, head of the international trade team in Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “This is a great example of a company diversifying in their own bid to Go For Growth.

“Overseas trade is vital for the economy of the region and equipping more young people with the skills to help us export is crucial. That’s why it’s great that Chamber Training can now offer the apprenticeship in international trade and logistics which is one of the first of its kind in the country."