RL: What is your academic and professional background?
I have a bachelor degree in international sales- and marketing.
From August 2005 through to when I started in this job, I ran my own Export consultancy business in Vejle.
August 2004 – August 2005 I headed the sales department in an advertising agency in Vejle.
August 2003 – August 2004 I worked as sales- and marketing director for Nordisk Tekstil A/S in Odense. My main focus was a total “turn around” and re-structuring of the international distribution channels in order to make the company survive. When I left Nordisk Tekstil, the sales dept. was restructured and growth was shoving in all markets.
May 1999 – August 2003 I held a position as Sales and Marketing Executive with Elka Rainwear A/S in Sunds by Herning. The company manufactures waterproof work wear for various industries. When I came to the company they had very little export sales, and when I left, the export amounted to over 40% of the total turnover, which had doubled in the period.
The above was achieved via systematically building up distribution from nothing to full market distribution in the UK, France, Holland, and the US. As a result Elkas product line for Industrial Fishing grew from non existence, to the second largest brand in Europe in 3 years.
Are there any fields that you specifically operate within and how do you feel this will contribute to the Trade Commission in Manchester?
I specialise in the following sectors: Fishing and aquaculture, Food, Industry and machines.
Due to my background I have a strong network within the sectors above, which the Trade Commission and the Danish business community as a whole will be able to benefit from.
What will your relation with the Anglo-Danish Trade link in Manchester be and how do you see the continued cooperation between the Trade Commission and the DUCC?
I believe that I can assist in the network and contribute in building the relationship further between DK and the UK. Furthermore I believe that we can mutually gain a great deal from co-operating, sharing knowledge and experience.
Which industries do you see as having the strongest potential in the North and which areas do you mainly focus on through your work?
We see a large potential within the construction sector. This sector is mainly handled by our colleagues in London and therefore we will not be focusing on this sector directly. However we will focus on machinery for the construction industry.
How do you view the business climate in the Manchester area in terms of establishing subsidiaries?
80% of the UK citizens are with 2 hours drive from Manchester, the area has a relatively low salary level and Manchester historically has always been a leading driving force in terms of industrial advances. Ideally located in the middle of the country, not only have some of the worlds largest companies set up home here, but the massive redevelopment of Manchester as a whole, creates a wealth of opportunities for Danish Companies.
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