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Craft Zoo is a young and continuously growing wholesaler of
African arts and crafts, which are supplied to the Gift Industry,
Garden Centres and market traders across the UK. The main product
range contains modern soapstone figures, wooden carvings and
ethnic products like masks and Maasai sculptures.
Craft Zoo wanted to expand their activities in Europe and especially
in the large German market. Consequently they were looking for
a person who could help to open up this market and to establish
a portfolio of customers.
Birgit had been seeking a placement that would enable her to
improve her language skills and to develop her business skills.
ISPO successfully helped her to arrange the placement at the
company, and they were also a great help in finding suitable
accommodation. They even inspected the room before confirming
it, which gave a secure basis to come to England. Additionally,
ISPO took care that Birgit’s arrival ensured that she
settled down well into Derby.
To get into the German market Birgit started with a lot of research
before they developed the marketing strategy. She translated
brochures and carried out a very successful mailing whereby
they obtained the first German customers.
Additionally Birgit was involved in marketing to the UK market,
where she was responsible for customer enquiries and exhibiting
at a major trade fair over a four-day period. She also got the
opportunity to have an input into their stand design and product
display.
Birgit chose to undertake this placement to improve her language
skills, develop her business skills and to gain a better understanding
of the English way of life and the business culture.
“However
I learned much more than that! Luckily I had insights in everything
that happened in the company and became very confident with
handling the company when my colleagues were away on a business
trip. The open and friendly atmosphere within the company provided
space to develop creative ideas and to try new solutions.”
- Birgit Kempter, Tettnang, Germany
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