A manufacturer from Cumbria has achieved international success.

Pogu Ltd makes safety gear for children and has received support and advice by the Department for International Trade (DIT) North West.

The firm, which was initially launched in 2009 but only began exporting last year, now sells its products to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Scandinavia.

The company sold over 40,000 products to Sweden in 2016 and deals have recently been agreed to export to Canada and Taiwan.

Discussions have also taken place with retailers in South Korea and other countries.

Founder, Tiffany Solender, said: “Our DIT international trade advisor said we should try exporting to the rest of the world and they’ve been brilliant throughout, with constant support and advice.”

“We make technically leading, robust safety products born out of a desire to protect our family.

“They are fun, reflective items which give parents peace of mind and keep their children safe when they are picking up the kids at school or pushing a buggy down the road, in low light.”

Mrs Soldender got the idea for children’s safety gear after a near-miss in a dark evening in 2014 when a car failed to stop as her husband Neil steered their child’s pushchair over a crossing.

The DIT helped identify and research distributors overseas, supported exhibitions, and assisted with the expansion of Pogu’s product range for global markets.

Deputy regional director of DIT, Paul Stowers, said: “I’d like to congratulate Pogu on its impressive success in overseas markets and I’m confident that this high-quality and original product will go on to achieve even greater success in further export markets.”

“Pogu is a great example of the difference our bespoke help and advice can make to such businesses.”