The founder of a Gloucestershire firm producing shaving and skincare products for men is urging businesses to consider the potential of the American market.

Stephen Shortt, founder of Hawkins and Brimble, based in Cheltenham said: "It's a tough market but the returns are potentially huge."

The company, launched just five years ago and has established a popular brand of shaving, beard and skincare products, selling in 25 countries, across 5,000 outlets.

In the UK, the company's range is available in Waitrose, Sainsbury and Boots, while in the US, with a warehouse based in Virginia, it supplies retailers like Wholefoods, Target and supermarket chain H-E-B.

"It's been the slowest growing market for us but once people get to know your product range you can start seeing some very good returns. The Americans really do like British products," he said.

Stephen will be keynote speaker at an event being held with Gloucestershire MPs as part of the Parliamentary Export Programme on June 8th.

Exporters will have the opportunity to hear about the support available for businesses at a virtual event hosted by their local MPs.

Organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT), companies will hear directly from MPs, trade experts and Stephen Shortt, who is a local Export Champion.

Stephen added: "We want businesses to realise the sheer scale of the sales opportunity worldwide. You can bet that if your product or service is popular in the UK, then somewhere in the world people will also want to buy your products or services."

Exports are equivalent to nearly a third of the national income, and the UK is the fifth biggest exporter in the world. DIT has agreed trade deals with 67 countries plus the EU - covering £891bn of the bilateral trade the UK did in 2019.

Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester said: "Helping businesses recover and finding new opportunities is a top priority. Gloucestershire is already an exporter in many sectors from landing gear to health products and cordial to graphene. Now we should look at what new products, new exporters and new markets can be helped.

"I'm pleased that three Gloucestershire MPs are joining the government's export arm and interested local businesses at a free event to discuss challenges and opportunities. Let's grow our exports and our jobs!"

Siobhan Baille, MP for Stroud, said: "These are both exciting and challenging times but there is help out there from the Government and if I can link companies with the Parliamentary Export Programme then that will be a success."

For more information and for businesses to register for the event on 8th June 2021, visit https://www.events.great.gov.uk/parliamentary-export-programme.,