this extensive business has its roots in the company first started by the vendors in 1972 to sell products and games for the pub sport market. In the 1980’s the business moved into the wholesale supply of specialist gloves for the yachting sector, and ski gloves. Whilst these facets of the business are still in operation, as is the supply of weight lifting belts to sportsman and industrial users, the key to the company is the branded hats. In 1993, the company produced their first designs of fleece lined ski hats. In the early stages, they utilised a key name, which was registered as a trademark in 2001. This brand name is now used across a large range of contemporary hats, gloves and sunglasses, and is well known and respected in the outdoor sector. Competing at the mid-market point, and supplying unique designs and quality products at reasonable costs, the business has carved out an excellent market share, with their goods stocked by retailers across the uk, including department stores, outdoor shops and sports shops. The products are sought out by the customer as a trusted name in the marketplace, with many now coming direct to the business via their website. The outdoor / hats side of the business now accounts for around 70% of revenue, with the remainder being made up from supply of sunglasses, yachting equipment, industrial users for weight back supports, and pub games. This provides an exceptional spring board for further growth, and with a well known brand name trademarked and wholly owned by the company, the business can easily utilise the name on a diverse range of products including the sunglasses sector, which is currently adding minimal sales, but as an industry can produce very healthy margins. The business has key suppliers based in china who are responsible for the majority of manufacture, some of whom the company has been working with for over 20 years, which stability in itself offers great stability and levels of trust in the quality of workmanship. The vendors of the business have had the foresight to keep a range of suppliers to hand so that prices remain competitive, and there is always continuity of supply. All customer details are fully computerised allowing for fast turnaround on orders received, stock control, invoicing / credit control and regular promotion to clients. Over the years, the vendors have repeatedly re-invested profits into stock levels, this now means that there are high levels of stock carried at the company’s headquarters. The stock held means that the business can cater for all customer requests in a fast a flexible manner. Equipment: the business is operated with an it network including server and office pcs. There is a computerised trackable order despatch system, and extensive racking through-out the large warehouse which can accommodate the extensive stock. Customer service: the business has been built on the highest levels of customer service. This has resulted in many long-standing relationships with retailers and outlets. The end user is confident that they are purchasing high quality goods, manufactures to the best standards, and sold at a reasonable price. This has resulted in excellent customer loyalty over the years, with retailers confident that all items will be sold with good margins and minimal returns. With goods always to hand at the main warehouse, orders are turned around very fast, with next day delivery in most cases. Key strengths: the lengthy trading history, is in itself a great asset to the business. As the company has been working with some key suppliers and customers for over 20 years, relations are strong, and the company is trusted. The vendors now have a range of manufactures in china who meet the highest quality standards, which are competitively priced allowing for great gross margins. With a large range of designs, and multiple revenue streams the business is stable. But unlike the majority of importers / wholesalers, the trademarked brand is also a great asset to the company, as the company wholly owns what they sell. This brand name is now primed for further growth. Growth and expansion opportunities: this business has exceptional growth opportunities. The brand is well known and respected for quality headwear. As with competitors in the market, this image can be used on related goods, and pushed as an upmarket professional outdoor / sporting name for other lines. There has been some uptake of the sunglasses on offer, but this can easily be pushed with a greater marketing effort. The company also owns separate brands for the yachting sector, and imports goods for weightlifters, industrial customers. These could also be marketed to a greater degree both in the uk and abroad. Whilst the company has a detailed website, which includes all product lines, there is room for development of the online ordering facility, which would allow customers to order direct from the source at greater margins. There is also an opportunity for new owners to drive new deals with large retailers across the county and internationally.
