Insider - Media limited

“Middle East sale for outdoor activity equipment maker”

A Dorking-based manufacturer of rope bridges, treehouses and treetop walkways has secured its first sale in the Middle East. 

Treehouse Life has been designing and manufacturing outdoor activity equipment since 2002. It sells to consumers directly and to trade buyers, where its equipment is purchased for holiday resorts, children’s care facilities and schools.

The Middle East contract, valued at £70,000, involves the business exporting five rope bridges for use in the Salwa Dahab Mountains Water & Adventure Park at Salwa Resort in Doha, Qatar.

The contract was secured after the business received support from international trade advisers at the Department for International Trade (DIT). The company received the initial sales enquiry from the resort's developer through its website, which it had optimised for the market following support from DIT. Treehouse Life also received guidance from on how to manage the enquiry and subsequent order.

Since beginning the project, the business has also secured a further £88,000 contract in Qatar, set to commence in April 2019.

Paul Cameron, chief executive and founder of Treehouse Life, said: "We have a very niche business proposition, but one that is gaining traction overseas since we have configured our website for international customers, who now make up for 50 per cent of our inbound enquires online."

Ben Raby, head of the South East at DIT, said: "For many small firms, entering a new market is challenging, but Treehouse Life has a reputation for high-quality, British made products. This, paired with an accessible website configured for international customers, has allowed the business to enjoy real success in Qatar."

> View PDF - Middle East sale for outdoor activity equipment (South East Business Insider - online)