41 COMPANY PROFILE When did you start up and why? Batela UK is a part of a Spanish business called Batela 1991 S.L, which has been around for more than 30 years. We met at a Spring Fair trade show just as they were looking for agents in several European countries to expand their business. I was impressed with their products, and the business direction and nature of the owner and his wife. At the time I was working on several other brands, but somehow, I sensed that this one was going places, and that I wanted to be part of it. What prompted you to launch the business? Getting a brand going that is new to the UK is hard work, and my previous experience told me this would also be a challenge. But the more I looked at the products, and the extremely well produced trade brochure, the more I felt it was a challenge I would enjoy. What challenges have you overcome since the company’s launch? Finding customers to try a new brand, of any sort, is incredibly difficult. But the fantastic catalogue, and a range of products with many points of difference, combined with super product quality made investing time, money in trade shows and travelling to see potential customers seem worthwhile. But since our range is essentially for seaside gift shops, the sheer distance to see a customer is a big challenge. Cornwall, Northumberland, Lake District and Norfolk are not exactly easy trips to keep making. And getting customers in these places to a trade show in Birmingham is like pushing water uphill. Tell us about your product offering. Batela started was more than 30 years ago by the current owner’s uncle from a small shop in the harbour at a small fishing village called Getaria in the Basque region of Spain. The sea is the inspiration for a large range of sea style giftware and home décor. From cushions, aprons and tea towels with crabs, lobsters, and octopus, to brass compasses, sextants, sundials, to model display boats to all sorts of kitchenware. We also offer lighting. What are your most popular products? Probably our most popular lines include glass lamps and ceiling lights with rope buoy finishes. Our ranges of kitchenware with fishes and sea creatures do very well, not to mention mugs for the sailor at heart, finished with anchors or a range of sea mammals. Probably the most impressive are our resin mammal ornaments – whales, dolphins, and sharks. All of which are larger than many expect, and these make a real statement on the windowsill or fireplace.
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