And a motto like that is music to the ears of the South Yorkshire International Trade Centre (SYITC)!

Thanks to support and funding from the trade centre, Rotherham-based Ted Brewer Violins is staying in tune with their company philosophy, having showcased at three exhibitions - both national and international – in the last 12 months alone.

The company, which began life in the early nineties after Ted was commissioned to make a violin for a friend, has gained a reputation for the excellent sound quality of its visually dramatic instruments – which are available in a range of colours and styles including transparent, electric blue, rich violet and even shocking pink!

One of Ted’s more recent models, the Vivo², combines high quality standard features with revolutionary technological and design advances, such as a new carbon fibre bridge design. The Vivo² also features an ebony fingerboard and chin rest and aluminium tailpiece.

Ted now lists celebrity musicians including Vanessa Mae among its clients after she approached the South Yorkshire businessman, keen to use one of the company’s sculpted acrylic Crossbow models on her contemporary, dance-influenced 2001 album ‘Subject to Change’. The multi-million selling artist has since acquired one of Ted’s Vivo² models as well.

Ted’s instruments now sell across the world – and that’s where the SYITC has been able to play its part, ensuring the company has a harmonious export strategy.

Thanks to the UKTI funded Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP), accessed through the SYITC, Ted was able to showcase his striking products at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) exhibition in California and at the ‘MusikMesse’ international trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany. TAP contributed towards the stand costs at Musikmesse but Ted was also able to access Targeted Export Support Scheme (TESS) funding to help towards accommodation, travel and marketing materials costs for the trip to Germany.

Musikmesse is the world’s largest fair for the music instruments sector and the 2007 show attracted more visitors than ever, with Ted joining more than 1,600 exhibitors.

Ted’s stand frequently found itself taking centre stage, thanks to its stylish products and melodious assistance from musician Erica Nockalls - who uses two Ted Brewer violins (a clear Vivo² 4-string and a purple Vivo² 5-string) during her work with various bands including The Wonder Stuff.

Said Ted: “Frankfurt was an amazing experience. I think we had one of the most popular stalls in our hall! Most of the other stringed instruments were more traditional whereas ours were very colourful and eye-catching!

“But we were also lucky enough to have a stunning violinist with us demonstrating the quality of our instruments so Erica’s performances doubtless helped attract the audience to our stand. She loves the Vivo² and we couldn’t have had anyone better to show off its potential. We just wanted the German market to be able to see and hear first hand what new technology and great design can do.

“Before we started going to exhibitions like the one in Frankfurt, we had one main distributor. Now we have three and counting. We have also had some contact with a distributor in Japan so that’s really exciting news as that’s a huge market.

“The support from the SYITC has been brilliant. Our plans for the future now include returning to Frankfurt again and finding more European distributors.”

SYITC senior international trade advisor Jo Kelly said: “Ted Brewer Violins combine outstanding quality and maximum visual impact, a fact that German and American markets in particular are waking up to.

“We’re thrilled to have been able to assist a South Yorkshire company that offers a double whammy with its products – Ted’s violins are stylish to look at but also produce a superb sound. It’s no wonder they are increasingly in demand internationally and we’re delighted to have been able to assist with the expansion of their export programme.

“Our knowledge and access to export programs has enabled us to support scores of companies develop further links and new international contacts and we’re pleased Ted has been able to tune into so many new business opportunities.”

For further information go to www.tedbrewerviolins.co.uk or call 01522 525161.