Founded in 1994, Cardiff-based PDR is an award-winning international design consultancy and research centre.
Combining cutting-edge design and engineering with applied research, the company helps organisations around the globe develop better products, systems, and experiences across sectors including healthcare, transport and public services.
With a reputation for delivering high-impact solutions, PDR’s clients include multinational companies, governments and academic institutions. Notable names such as the European Central Bank, Krupps and Tefal have all benefited from its expertise.
Exports have been central to the company’s growth since it began trading internationally in 2017. Today, exports account for 50-60% of its trade, responsible for around half of PDR’s growth during this period. This success has enabled PDR to establish itself as one of the world’s leading design consultancies.
Key markets include the USA, Germany and France, with further projects delivered across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Exporting has allowed the consultancy to compete directly with some of the world’s largest design firms and win contracts with global ‘dream clients’ that would have been out of reach in the UK alone.
Support from Welsh Government export programmes has been vital to this success. Trade missions, market research and introductions to global decision makers have opened doors in the US and Europe, while regular attendance at international exhibitions such as MEDICA have provided opportunities to build trusted relationships with clients face to face.
Since embarking on its export journey PDR has expanded its team and its client base. With eyes set on continued growth, it is now actively seeking more business in East Asia and has recently completed a significant piece of work for an organisation in the Philippines for the first time.
Jarred Evans, Director at PDR Design, said:
“Through exporting PDR has grown substantially as it finds itself competing with some of the world’s biggest and most resourced design firms. While working here in Wales is important, exporting our services overseas opens a world of opportunities. Exporting has been vital for our growth and has allowed us to expand our horizons and widen our reach while remaining a proud Welsh company based firmly in its capital.
"Welsh Government export support has helped PDR Design be at the right place at the right time, enabling us to build relationships across the globe and helping protect the longevity of the business by reducing our reliance on a single market. We would not be in the position that we are in today without it. Since placing a drive on exporting, we’ve expanded into new export markets, increased trade significantly and are now working alongside renowned global brands.”