N.Z. GOODS IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27402, 15 July 1954, Page 8

N.Z. GOODS IN BRITAIN

“ Many Opportunities For Export” HIGH REPUTATION OF DOMINION (From the London Correspondent of f, The Press”) LONDON, June 28. New Zealand manufacturers have greater opportunities to enter the British market at the present time than they have ever had before. That is the opinion of Mr J, Wattie, managing director of Wattle's Canneries, Hastings who is at present visiting London on a business trip. “I have been surprised at the general trade opportunities open in Britain to New Zealand goods,” said Mr Wattie, today. “I do not know whether New Zealand manufacturers have a complex that we cannot compete on the British market because we are so far away or because other countries are supposed to make cheaper or better goods, but I have found plenty of opportunities for business in Britain. “There is no easy 40-hour-a-week way of breaking into the competitive British market, but for anyone who is prepared to work hard and see that their goods are well made and suitably priced, there is a market in Britain waiting to be developed.”

Mr Wattie can point to the success of his own firm’s export trade to Britain as an illustration of his contention that New Zealand manufacturers have business opportunities waiting to' be developed. Since he first started sending his products to Britain in 1946, his shipments have grown more than 10 times in volume and his sales in Britain are expanding each year. “Not only will New Zealand manufacturers receive every encouragement from British buyers and the New Zealand Trade Commissioner in London but they will also have the invaluable assistance of New Zealand’s goodwill in Britain,” he said. “This can assist the manufacturer not only on a personal level but also generally in any sales of New Zealand goods or produce. New Zealand’s high reputation in Britain started in the 1914-18 war and was enhanced by our servicemen in the last World War. Our way of doing business has also apparently added to our reputation in Britain. It has opened up great possibilities of further trade here.”