THE Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language has praised a Denbighshire-based business for its "creativity" and "innovation".

Family-run business, Ruth Lee Ltd., which specialises in creating realistic training dummies and aids used by safety experts worldwide, is on track to reach record sales approaching £3 million thanks to its exports.

Eluned Morgan AM paid a visit to their Corwen-based site last week and met with managing director Paul McDonnell and operations director Susan Edwards, who both spoke of the company's success with exporting products around the world, as well as how they are preparing for Brexit.

"Ruth Lee Ltd are flying the flag for Welsh business in markets around the world and a great example of the creativity and innovation in industry Wales is becoming renowned for," Eluned Morgan said.

"It is clear that exporting not only transforms individual businesses, but can transform the Welsh economy, making it more productive and competitive.

“With the date for our agreed exit from the EU fast approaching it’s vital we continue to engage with our businesses to understand their concerns, especially around a no deal scenario, and hopefully address issues they may have," Eluned Morgan AM said.

"There is still time for the UK Government to heed to our warnings and commit to taking no deal off the table, which would clearly have a de-stabilizing effect on businesses across the UK.

"We are committed to ensuring that businesses in Wales have the right information and support so that they can join firms like Ruth Lee Ltd and other exporters and competing on the world stage."

Ruth Lee Ltd. currently exports 60% of its product, with the USA, Australia and Germany the main markets.

Speaking on their success, Mr McDonnell said: "We hired specialist marketing and business development professionals with international experience and additional office staff to support the growing team. Every decision we’ve made has been to take the business to the next level and elevate our export success.

"Establishing good relationships with regional distributors is essential. They become the face of your brand in a foreign country so ensuring they understand the products completely and feel genuinely passionate about them is vital.

"Attending trade events is a great way of establishing relationships with potential distributors and customers alike and there are regular Welsh Government Trade Missions that are well worth attending."