British smart bandages support Dutch athletes thanks to a speedy Network reaction.
Physicool is a Bristol based SME that has pioneered a range of innovative reusable cooling bandages used in hospitals, physiotherapy practices and sports arenas. The bandages help reduce pain and swelling in sprained ankles and other injuries while speeding up the recovery process.
Keen to find distributors to market their products abroad, Physicool contacted Sophie Varcin at Enterprise Europe Network South West.
"Our strong network allows companies to save time therefore money, as opposed to looking for international partners all by themselves," she explains.
After profiling the company on the Network's business matchmaking database, Sophie's Network colleague, Michelle Lemmers of The Netherlands Enterprise Agency took up the baton and was able to put Physicool in touch with their ideal partner - Medigros, a Dutch distributor of sports and medical products.
Just a few short months after their initial meeting, Physicool and Medigros started working together. Medigros agreed to distribute Physicool's bandages in the Netherlands.
"Among the clients now using Physicool, we have a professional soccer, basketball and volleyball team," says Dennis van der Sluijs of Medigros.
Ian Jarvis of Physicool also has high hopes for the new partnership and is grateful to the Network for making it happen. "Support from the Enterprise Europe Network directly contributed to us appointing Medigros as our distributor and has led us to a successful partnership agreement," he says.