about us

Teddy Exports founder Amanda Murphy started the business with just 5 people working from a small mud-built hut in the village - conditions were very basic and progress was slow. In 1991, the Teddy Trust was set up so that profits could be used to invest in local community welfare, especially education and health.

Today Teddy Exports employs almost 400 local people and had a turnover of £1.6 million in 2005-06. It produces a range of products for export across the world.

These include:
" massage rollers, made from a sustainable, local wood source
(Acacia nilotica).

" cotton bags to hold the massage rollers; shopping bags and a range of more elaborate gift bags. Our screen printing unit will customise Textiles with specific designs or logos.

" other textile and wooden items from Gift bags, boxes and accessories. Workers at Teddy receive free medical care, subsidized lunch and tea in the company canteen, annual excursions and functions and a safe and pleasant working environment. Good wages mean that workers can afford good homes, education for their children and are able to save money for the future.

In 1998 Amanda was awarded an MBE for her work. Although she has been the driving force behind the company, she has gradually handed over the general day to day running of the business, and is confident that it will continue to thrive.