Lord Livingston's visit to Sesame Access has been publicized on the government website:
Byfleet based Sesame Access, founded in 1997, only began exporting 3 years ago. They make and install wheelchair accessible lifts to buildings, which have been used in places like the Barbican and Tate Britain.
Their export success began with providing architecturally-admired building access lifts to the exclusive Sothebys in Paris and the nearby Ascott Hotel.
The company is run by Alison Lyons with brother Steven.
Alison said:
"We were unsure about exporting – and felt afraid of the barriers and how we would ensure we could comply with the standards overseas, but with help from UKTI we have developed the confidence we need to explore different markets and work through any problems."
This year alone, with help from UKTI, we have increased exports by 20%.
Sesame Access announced during Lord Livingston’s visit that they are on the cusp of signing new deals in Qatar, New York and across Scandinavia. This could boost their turnover by 50%. The new deals are the result of help from UKTI and the power of social media.
Overseas interest in the company peaked after a video made about their lifts went viral and received 1 million views worldwide. The short video of how the lifts work was flagged by an American radio station online, resulting in queries from across the world.
Sesame Access is now making arrangements to meet an agent in South Africa, and they are setting up an agreement with an agent in Australia.