A York-based business owner is set to export 1 million drinks to the US this year and wants more of the region’s businesses to follow in his footsteps. 

Phil Pinder from the Potions Cauldron will be one of the experts taking part in the export roadshows this month, organised by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. 

The team will visit venues across two weeks including Tadcaster, Harrogate, Scarborough, York, Catterick and Skipton. 

The roadshows are backed by Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith’s Business Innovation Fund with grants between £3,000 and £10,000 available. 

Businesses can use the money to fund trips to international exhibitions, where they can establish new export markets for their products. 

The Potions Cauldron has tapped into the support of the Department for Business and Trade and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. 

Using that support and funding, the business owners showcased their magic-themed soft drinks at an exhibition where they met with people representing Disney. 

The Potions Cauldron and Disney struck a deal, which has driven a lot of the export business. Disney stocks their drinks on their cruise ships and commissioned them to produce drinks in celebration of Marvel superheroes and the new Fantastic Four film. 

Phil Pinder, co-founder of the Potions Cauldron, said: 

“It’s been a fantastic journey, and it doesn’t feel real sometimes. I was recently on holiday with my children and saw our Disney drinks there. It was a proud moment. 

“During our first year of exporting we sold more than 20,000 drinks but this year we have the potential to export more than 1 million drinks to the US alone. 

“We are one of the fastest growing businesses in York and North Yorkshire, going from £250,000 in turnover in our first year to £8 million in our next financial year. 

“We have had support the whole time and we particularly found value in speaking to other businesses that have gone through a similar journey that we have.  

“That’s why I am keen to get involved in the roadshows, so we can pass on that knowledge and give something back.” 

Last year, businesses that took part in the export programme shared a grant pot worth £200,000 to help reach new markets by funding trips to international expos and more. In total, they generated more than £15 million in sales. 

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: 

“York and North Yorkshire is brimming with fantastic businesses that have made their mark – not just here but across the world. 

“From food and drink producers like Bettys and Taylors to manufacturers like ECON and creatives like Viridian FX working on hit TV shows. 

“York and North Yorkshire’s businesses have the ambition and talent to thrive when they make the jump into international markets.” 

The Business Innovation Fund has come in five programmes focussing on ‘Sector Activity’, ‘Spin-Out and Start-Ups’, ‘Get Exporting’, with ‘Great Ideas’ and ‘Get Funded’ launching over the coming months. 

Earlier this year, Mayor David Skaith launched three other Mayoral Challenge Funds including the £10 million Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, the £7 million Carbon Negative Challenge Fund and the £2.3 million Skills Innovation Fund. 

For more information and to access the programme’s prospectus, please visit https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/business-innovation-fund/