Eco design firm gets set for overseas expansion

Tyneside-based COHDA Design is gaining international recognition for its innovative and sustainable ‘eco’ products.

The firm, which has been summed up by the New York media as ‘Punk Rock ECO design’, specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of pioneering, contemporary products, all with an emphasis on sustainability and new technology.

Its latest products include ‘Revive’ table legs, which are manufactured in the UK from previously redundant steel production equipment and can be attached and removed in seconds to produce a variety of permanent and semi-permanent tables.

COHDA also recently launched an experimental project, ‘The Binary Furniture Process’, which enables people to create their own piece of computer-designed furniture without having the necessary skills.

International strategy

Globally ambitious COHDA Design has set up links with retailers in the US, Canada and Europe and has secured retail opportunities in Hong Kong with a new design chain.

Richard Liddle, founder and Managing Director of COHDA Design, says: “As a growing design brand, we have a long-term development strategy to achieve a strong presence in global markets. This is important as it allows us to be far more competitive, whilst giving us access to new technologies, manufacturers, skills and materials, all of which feed our creativity and influence new product development.

“Over the last 18 months, COHDA has been exploring numerous world markets and distribution channels. We have been successful in establishing relationships with several design chains and product distributors, in addition to taking on select design projects for overseas clients. We also now have a partner in Hong Kong and are set to expand into Asian markets in 2011.

“We are also increasing our international profile by sponsoring and judging a number of international design competitions, and by participating in overseas design festivals. New designs from COHDA can also be seen on permanent display at central Milan’s Design Plus Gallery.”

UKTI involvement

Support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) has helped COHDA Design gain confidence in overseas markets.

“In the past we have used UKTI’s Passport to Export programme,” explains Liddle, “which allowed us to identify potential markets and manufacturers in Italy and the US. Once these were identified, we were able to approach them with caution and the added security of having UKTI as support.”

He adds: “UKTI gives you the confidence to make small steps into previously unchartered territories. Having your own personal international trade adviser allows you to get answers quickly while the UKTI teams have the relevant skills and international support structure to set up initial links in new markets, which can seem very daunting at first, especially in non English-speaking countries. Even with UKTI’s support it can still be a very challenging task, but also one that has the real potential to be an exciting opportunity.”