LDC ambassador smashes records to cycle around the world in less than 80 days
World renowned adventurer Mark Beaumont has been LDC's corporate ambassador for more than a decade. Throughout our partnership we have supported Mark on many challenges, his most recent being the most extraordinary yet! In September 2017, Mark broke world records in becoming the fastest person to cycle around the world completing this in just 78 days.
From our experience in the business world, we know that ambition partnered with long-term support is a great way to achieve great things, and we are proud to have supported Mark on another ambitious journey. Read more about his world-record breaking challenge, our long-term partnership with Mark and how LDC supports international business ambition.
Around the World: In Numbers
- People
- 1 Man
- Countries
- 15 Countries
- Action
- 16 Hours cycling every day
- Duration
- 78 Days
- Distance
- 240 Miles a day
- Total Distance
- 18,000 miles in total
Around the World
The Map
Live stats
- Speed
- {{lastWaypoint.speedKmph}}Km/H
- Last update
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View Live Tracker
View Mark's Route
- Starting from Paris, through Europe, Russia and Mongolia to Beijing and China
- Across Australasia
- Across North America from Anchorage to Halifax.
- The final stage will be Lisbon, through Madrid, over the Pyrenees to Paris.
International Ambition
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AMBITION
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the international ambitions of our portfolio in the countries that Mark will be travelling through, as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
International business ambition in Spain
We take a closer look at how we've supported the ambitions of our portfolio in Spain as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Spain proved just the tonic for Fever-Tree
In 2013, two-thirds of Fever-Tree's sales came from overseas, with Spain the most successful of its 35 international markets. That grew to more than 50, generating 70% of sales, when LDC exited in 2015.
Disposable income driving economic growth
Spain is the EU's fifth largest economy and one of the fastest growing in the eurozone. Growth is expected to be driven by increased household disposable income, employment growth and investment in machinery and equipment.
Spain deal helps win recognition for Mini-Cam
Signing up a Spanish distribution partner helped pipeline inspection equipment specialist Mini-Cam towards a place on the prestigious Sunday Times SME Export Track 100, which ranks Britain's SMEs with the fastest-growing international sales.
International business ambition in Portugal
We take a closer look at how we've supported the ambitions of our portfolio in Portugal as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Portugal deal helps Mini-Cam towards export award
Signing up a Portuguese distribution partner helped pipeline inspection equipment specialist Mini-Cam towards a place on the prestigious Sunday Times SME Export Track 100, which ranks Britain's SMEs with the fastest-growing international sales.
Portugal: The global gateway
Portugal is a gateway to a market of 250 million people worldwide thanks to its ties with its Portuguese-speaking former colonies, including Brazil, Angola and Mozambique.
UK makes top trade partner for Portugal
Total UK exports to Portugal were valued at €3.1bn in 2014, making Britain Portugal's sixth largest supplier. The automotive, life sciences and information economy sectors were in highest demand.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AMBITION IN CANADA
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the ambitions of our portfolio in Canada as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Canada is target market for Mitrefinch
LDC has backed software firm Mitrefinch with £20m investment to support its international expansion, with Canada a key target. The firm plans to grow its nascent business in the country while pushing new product development.
Putting the fizz into Fever-Tree
Canada was a key international territory for premium drinks brand Fever-Tree, and during LDC’s tenure we were able to support the company’s growth by renegotiating its distributor partnership there. Fever-Tree subsequently underwent a hugely successful listing on AIM.
Linguistic link helps trade between Canada and UK
UK exports to Canada were worth £7.5bn in 2013, making Britain Canada’s sixth largest source of goods imports and second largest services trading partner.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AMBITION IN THE USA
We take a closer look at how we've supported the ambitions of our portfolio in the USA as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Fishawack's American ambition
LDC backed an MBO at specialist communications firm Fishawack Group, with a plan to embark on a £100m growth strategy. The group already has two US offices and will accelerate its transatlantic growth through acquisitions.
BOFA wins Queen's Award for innovation
In 2015, LDC backed the £23m MBO of fume extraction specialist BOFA International, including its Illinois-based US operations. This year BOFA was handed a Queen's innovation award for its work making manufacturing more efficient.
New stateside owner for Original Additions
LDC sold beauty business Original Additions to US-based PDC Brands in 2016, after backing a secondary buyout of the business in 2011. The deal generated exit proceeds of £37m, further accelerating Original Additions' international expansion.
UK exports hit the big bucks
The USA is the largest, most competitive and technologically advanced economy in the world. It is the UK's top export destination and in 2016 British products valued at more than $60bn were shipped stateside.
A-Gas expands geographic footprint in the US
LDC originally invested £29m in A-Gas in 2011 to support the group's growth strategy, followed by £30m of additional acquisition capital to assist the business in completing six acquisitions, four of which were in the US.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AMBITION IN NEW ZEALAND
We take a closer look at how we've supported the ambitions of our portfolio in New Zealand as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Capital goes global with New Zealand expansion
Since LDC invested in economic research provider Capital Economics in 2014, the group has launched in five new countries and regions, including New Zealand. The expansion represents a new global growth phase for the business.
An economy with strength and stability
New Zealand has a strong, stable economy with one of the strongest growth rates in the developed world at 3.6%. Top imports from the UK are vehicles, machinery, electronics, printed products and pharmaceuticals.
International Business Ambition in Australia
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the ambitions of our portfolio in Australia as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Seabrook Crisps bags Australia export deal
LDC-backed Seabrook Crisps recently secured a new contract to supply Aldi who have 470 stores in Australia. The business forecasts 4% of its sales to come from exports by the end of this financial year.
Clifford Thames deal brings Australia presence
LDC’s exit from data services provider Clifford Thames after three years created a truly global business. The business was acquired by US-based OEConnection Holdings, creating a group covering Europe, North America and Australia.
Ramco nets £4m deal to supply client down under
LDC-backed Ramco, which provides maintenance to the oil and gas industry, has secured a five-year contract with Perth-based Mito, one of Australia’s leading oil industry tubular goods suppliers.
Australia breaks growth records
In 2017 Australia broke records when it recorded 26 years of continuous economic growth. It is the 13th largest economy in the world and the UK’s 14th biggest export market, ahead of India, Canada and Russia.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AMBITION IN CHINA
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the ambitions of our portfolio in China, as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
China is key market for Magicard
Last year, LDC backed the £22m MBO of global security business Magicard, which has operations in China. The firm plans to capitalise on forecasted growth in the global market for secure desktop ID printers.
More export success for ATG Access
Vehicle barrier technology specialist ATG Access secured a major contract to supply PetroChina, China’s largest oil producer in 2015. The LDC portfolio business now exports to more than 40 countries, accounting for over 60% of its revenues.
Ramco builds on international growth
LDC-backed Ramco, which provides equipment to the oil and gas industry, has established operations in China and is committed to international growth. In 2017 it secured contracts worth £35m from clients in Australia and Europe.
China laps up luxury goods
China is the world’s largest economy and a huge opportunity for UK business. Its fast-growing consumer market means it is forecast to become the world’s largest luxury goods market by 2020.
International business ambition in Russia
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the ambitions of our portfolio in Russia, as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
UK grows exports to Russia
UK exports to Russia grew by 75% between 2009 and 2012, and more than 5,800 UK traders exported goods to Russia in 2013. About 600 UK companies have a physical presence in the country.
Russian expansion is icing on the cake
During LDC's two-year tenure, Ministry of Cake’s export sales increased 10% following contract wins in new markets such as Europe, Turkey, Russia and the Middle East.
Consumer demand driving Russian growth
Russia is home to 140 million consumers and is the most prosperous of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). It is a promising market for exporters due to the increased demand for quality British products.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AMBITION IN POLAND
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the ambitions of our portfolio in Poland, as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Polish investment strengthened Synexus in Europe
Research group Synexus opened a Polish facility as it moved to strengthen its market-leading position in Europe. The strategy supported the firm’s organic growth and when LDC exited in 2016, the business was valued at £178m.
Poland gives power to Clifford Thames
LDC invested in data services provider Clifford Thames, including its outsourcing centre in Krakow, Poland, in 2014. Strategic acquisitions during LDC’s tenure grew the business, which now operates across seven countries and employs almost 500 people.
British business has prospects in Poland
Poland has one of the fastest growing economies in the EU. With a market of 38 million consumers it offers a significant opportunity for British exporters.
LDC lays groundwork for Polish expansion
LDC backed the £47m MBO of Mountain Warehouse in 2010 and over the following three years helped the retailer open 60 new stores, including six in Poland.
International business ambition in Germany
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the ambitions of our portfolio in Germany, as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
International operations drive success at Synexus
In 2015, LDC backed the £83m secondary buyout of clinical research group Synexus, including its operations in Germany and seven other countries. We exited in 2016 in a deal that valued the business at £178m.
German deal supported Clifford Thames’ global ambition
The acquisition of German firm AC Autoconsult was key to data services provider Clifford Thames’ three-year strategy. In 2017 LDC exited its investment with a sale to US-based OEConnection Holdings, having supported the firm’s international growth.
Mini-Cam fuels European growth with German deal
LDC portfolio company Mini-Cam signed a deal to become the main supplier to German firm Ehle-HD, fuelling the firm’s growth in continental Europe. With revenues of £10.6m, exports now account for 48% of total turnover.
Britain goes big in Germany
Germany is the UK’s largest export market in Europe and second largest globally, after the US. The top industries importing into Germany are machines, engines and pumps, electronic equipment, vehicles and oil.
International business ambition in Belgium
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the ambitions of our portfolio in Belgium, as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Microlease acquisition trail leads to Belgium
Testing equipment company Microlease bought Belgian firm Telogy as part of an acquisition drive that helped grow revenues almost tenfold during LDC’s tenure. This year Microlease was acquired by US-based Electro Rent Corporation for £240m.
Benelux and Britain are the business
Belgium is the UK's eighth largest export market, worth £12.5bn in 2014. The Benelux countries - made up of Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg - are the UK's second largest export market, after the US
Fever-Tree puts down roots in Belgium
With LDC’s support, premium mixer supplier Fever-Tree considerably expanded its operations overseas, growing export sales to 70% of annual revenues. That included revising distributor partnerships in key international territories such as Belgium.
International business ambition in France
We take a closer look at how we’ve supported the ambitions of our portfolio in France, as well as some facts about the business and economic landscape.
Growth is on the menu at D&D
LDC backed the £50m MBO of premium restaurant group D&D in 2013. Alcazar in Paris is one of D&D’s four restaurants outside the UK, with plans for further international expansion in the near future.
French acquisition supported Kirona growth
LDC invested in software developer Kirona in 2011, supporting its international expansion through the acquisition of Xmbrace, which has offices in Caen, Northern France. LDC exited the firm in 2014, having helped Kirona treble revenues.
Waterfall sale to French giant generates 2.6x return
In 2016, LDC exited its investment in Waterfall Catering Group with a sale to global food industry operator, Paris-based Elior Group. LDC’s support saw Waterfall’s revenues grow from £50m to over £70m in two years.
Angus International Safety Group forms a powerful force in global firefighting
LDC portfolio company Angus Fire is part of Angus International Safety Group, which is dedicated to fire safety worldwide. The group includes Angus Fire, National Foam and Eau et Feu - the largest fire hose and foam manufacturer in France.
Opportunity abounds across the channel
France is the world’s fifth largest economy and the second largest consumer market in Europe. The top industries importing into France are machines, engines and pumps, oil, vehicles, electronic equipment and aircraft.
