We used exporting to grow our revenue
SimVenture: an innovative EdTech company exporting globally
From a small team in York to a global presence in over 20 countries, SimVenture (Venture Simulations Ltd) has become a shining example of how exporting can transform a business. Specialising in digital business simulations for education and training, SimVenture’s products are used by institutions and organisations worldwide to bring business learning to life.
Exporting has been central to SimVenture’s growth strategy. Since their first international sale in 2008, the company has seen exports grow to account for nearly 60% of its revenue. “Exporting has been essential for both growth and business improvement,” says CEO and co-founder Peter Harrington. “It’s opened doors we never imagined when we started.”
Their export journey began with a UK Government-supported trade mission to Nova Scotia, Canada. An initial £5,000 in sales sparked a long-term international strategy that now includes 15 Partner Agents distributing SimVenture products across five continents. These agents are more than just distributors—they’re embedded in the company’s culture and operations. “We call them Partner Agents because they’re truly part of the SimVenture team,” Peter explains.
One of the company’s earliest and most enduring partnerships began at the BETT education technology show in 2009, where they met representatives from a Mexican company that would go on to translate SimVenture’s products into Spanish and expand their reach across Latin America. Another major milestone came in 2016 with the appointment of a Partner Agent in China. The following year, after translating their simulation software into Chinese, SimVenture achieved a record 50% export-to-turnover ratio.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has played a vital role in this success. SimVenture has participated in numerous international trade missions and exhibitions with DBT’s support. Peter Harrington now serves as an Export Champion for the department, helping to inspire and guide other UK businesses on their export journeys. “The support from DBT has been instrumental,” says Peter. “From opening up new markets to providing platforms for global exposure, they’ve been with us every step of the way.”
Exporting has not only increased revenue but also driven innovation. Feedback from international users has led to product improvements and translations into multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish. These adaptations have made SimVenture’s products more accessible and appealing to global audiences. “Our Partner Agents provide invaluable feedback,” says Peter. “It helps us continuously improve our software and ensure it works in diverse educational environments.”
Cultural insights gained through exporting have also shaped product design. For example, the team learned to avoid certain icons, like piggy banks, and adapted their software to support right-to-left languages like Arabic. They also discovered differences in assessment styles—while UK and European educators often focus on learning through failure, U.S. institutions tend to assess students based on business performance. This flexibility has made SimVenture’s tools adaptable to a wide range of teaching styles and cultural contexts.
The financial benefits of exporting have been significant. SimVenture estimates that international sales generate an additional £250,000 annually, enabling them to hire three full-time staff to support their growing global network. While these roles aren’t solely focused on exports, they play a key part in maintaining strong relationships with Partner Agents.
Looking ahead, SimVenture plans to leverage generative AI to accelerate product translation and enhance user experience with AI-powered feedback tools. Their goal is to expand into at least 10 new countries by 2025, with each new market expected to generate five times the return on initial investment.
“Exporting has taught us to think globally, act locally, and always listen to our users,” says Peter. “It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about building relationships, learning from others, and growing together.”