A STAIRLIFT manufacturer, which exports across the globe, is targeting new markets by selling direct to consumers in the UK.

Newton Aycliffe manufacturer MediTek Stairlifts, which also has a US site in North Carolina, exports more than 3,000 lifts a year across Europe, Australia and America.

Now the company, which employs 30 staff on Aycliffe Business Park, has brought in Nikki Rotherham as business development manager to target sales direct to the consumer in the UK.

A new showroom also means customers and occupational therapists can try the stairlifts before they buy.

Philip Carmedy-Pye, recently appointed manager director of MediTek, said: "Nikki joins us at an exciting time in the business as the new strategy of offering direct sales to the North-East is a key part to the growth of our company.

"People can buy direct from us, the manufacturer. We design it here, make it here and so we can ensure that the customer is getting exactly what they want."

MediTek was established 20 years ago. It makes children’s stairlifts and specialist standing stairlifts as well as their traditional ranges.

The firm is also keen to invest in young talent and take on apprentices, such as Nathan Gilbey who has joined the engineering team in the research and development department after a stint in a department dedicated to improving user experience and comfort.

Mr Carmedy-Pye said: "We’re keen to bring people on and see them grow within the business. Nathan has an outstanding work ethic and we’re delighted to have him on board."

John Parnell, business development manager (South) for Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham, helped MediTek identify suitable funding sources so the company could realise its ambitions.

He pointed them in the direction of the North East Microloan fund, which freed up more working capital for them to persue their new strategy.

Mr Parnell said: "They’re a fantastic business and we look forward to seeing them grow further as they target more direct sales and fulfil their business plan."