One of our ExportExchange network, Tancream, has boosted its turnover by a third after securing its first overseas distribution deals.

The North Yorkshire based manufacturer of self-tanning sun cream has agreed a deal with healthcare and pharmaceutical distributor Pharmed which supplies the Republic of Ireland, and has also partnered with a distributor operating in Finland and Estonia.

Easingwold-based Tancream has produced what is believed to be the world's first self-tanning skin cream combining SPF50 and ultra UVA sun protection.

The company secured its new Finnish and Estonian partner after the exhibiting at the 2018 Cosmoprof Worldwide cosmetics trade show in Bologna, with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT). It is also currently negotiating with a major international catalogue retailer to list its products in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain as a result of a meeting at the show.

Gillian Robson, co-founder and chief executive of Tancream, said: "Many people want to look like they have a tan, but are concerned about the long-term skin damage that the sun's rays can cause. Tancream means they can protect their skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays while still gaining and maintaining a healthy glow."

Mark Robson, head the Yorkshire and the Humber region at the DIT, said: "Tancream has developed a product that fits a global market niche and is already reaping the rewards.
"Exporting can help businesses like Tancream achieve greater profitability and resilience, but the process can also have its challenges, which is why we're on hand to offer our support and guidance."

The company was established after co-founder Gillian Robson was diagnosed with skin cancer and decided to invent a product that would give her a tanned look without the associated skin damage.