After more than 20 years’ success in the publishing sector Barrelfield Media has expanded into the golf distribution market with the launch of Barrelfield Golf Europe.
The new company can call upon many years of experience in the golf industry, as helping to plot its strategy is new director Ross Hastings, the man who first introduced Callaway and Galvin Green to the UK.
In a career which itself spans more than 20 years in the golf business, Hastings has also previously been the official distributor for Burberry and Cleveland, and has been employed by Jack Nicklaus and Srixon. His track record is impressive and his network of retail contacts unrivalled, giving the new company a head start in the marketplace.
Surrey-based Barrelfield Golf Europe has already obtained exclusive distribution rights for Kikkor Golf, the innovative North American street-style footwear brand; SwingSmart, a unique, lightweight golf swing analyser which provides unparalleled information straight to a smartphone or tablet; and Chervo, the highly regarded and prestigious Italian apparel brand.
He is also assessing other brands and products that may be viable for the European market.
He said: “Because of my experience and knowledge I get approached to develop certain brands and I felt that with Barrelfield Media behind us and the right products in our portfolio we could create a good, strong, effective distribution business, of which there are but a few in the golf industry.
“We’ve started with three very strong products, in Kikkor, SwingSmart and Chervo. We are currently in the final stages of discussion over distribution of one or two other products, which, while new to the UK market, will create quite a stir we are sure.
“I’m certain with the portfolio we are putting together we will be able to offer the ideal product for all golf distribution channels.”
Hastings’ fellow directors are Peter Rice and Phil Kirby, main board directors and owners of the parent company, Barrelfield Media, which publishes 15 weekly titles and one monthly in London, Surrey and Berkshire.
One of the first decisions the new company made was to appoint the Azalea Group to handle its marketing and public relations.
Hastings added: “We needed a company which could hit the ground running and utilise an expansive contacts book, as we are looking to create a buzz immediately in both consumer and trade circles. Azalea came recommended by Kikkor Golf and their track record is suitably impressive.
“I believe we need to be working with a company that can react quickly and positively, while understanding fully the USPs of the products we are distributing – Azalea fits that bill.”
The UK launch of SwingSmart and Kikkor’s SS13 collection will take place in January.
To find out more about Barrelfield Golf Europe or to discuss SwingSmart, Chervo or Kikkor, please contact Ross Hastings on 020 8390 8980.