Gripeeze extends its reach to the Czech market

A Liverpool-based company has broken into the Czech market with special gloves that make it easier to grip objects for sport, DIY jobs and everyday tasks, thanks to a patented strap.

EEN in the North West of England first helped entrepreneur Stuart Walshe to come up with a business development and marketing strategy as he prepared to expand his Gripeeze business through overseas sales.

The gloves are aimed mainly at people affected by arthritis, stroke, sports injuries and other complaints such as repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome. Thanks to their novel strapping, Gripeeze gloves can also help to prevent such problems.

Market research

Stuart was looking to grow the business through commercial partners around the world.

He said. “There are so many things we could do to sell overseas. However, with only one and a half people working in the company, I need to be realistic. I don’t have millions to spend on marketing.”

Senior EEN business adviser Rodolphe Soulard followed up by carrying out market research and liaising with EEN overseas contacts to identify promising markets. One was the Czech Republic.

EEN soon identified and vetted likely distributors in the country and arranged meetings for Stuart.

Golf and hospitality industries

“This all happened very quickly and the process was seamless,” said Stuart. “I went to Prague, met prospective distributors, and a few weeks later received my first orders.”

One of the companies selling the Gripeeze gloves is DMA Praha, which offers orthopaedic and rehabilitation equipment for older and disabled people through an online catalogue.

Stuart added: “Our business is also doing very well in the UK and abroad with the golf and hospitality industries. We have recently secured deals with large golf tournaments, banks and other sponsors and even a retail outlet within a Premier League football club.