Clubhouse Golf, one of the UK’s fastest-growing golf online operations, has been named by The Sunday Times in its prestigious Virgin Fast Track 100 company listings for 2014.
The Manchester-based company, formed in 2003 by PGA Professional Paul Reeves, was the only golf industry business among the listing that identified some of the most successful UK enterprises over the past year. Others included Premier League club Southampton FC and the Victoria Beckham fashion empire.
Clubhouse Golf was credited with bucking the trend in a golf market where participation levels have been down in recent years. Over the 12-month period up to September 2013 that formed the basis of the ranking, its sales of the latest golf equipment rose by 65% from 2012 to £7.8m. Since that time, the company has increased sales to by an additional 17% to register a pre-VAT turnover of £9.2m and is forecasting a healthy growth in 2015 of up to 18%.
The independent retailer carries ever-growing stock in a 25,000 sq. ft. warehouse distribution centre and employs a workforce of more than 50 staff, including six PGA professionals to advise customers on purchases seven days a week. Clubhouse Golf also provides customers with an online PGA live chat platform, plus a super-efficient mail order service.
“We are very proud to represent the golf industry within the 2014 Fast Track 100,” said Paul. “The company moved onto the high street less than a decade ago and this recognition of our progress is satisfying for all of those involved in the business,” he added.
Clubhouse Golf moved into internet sales with a dedicated website in 2005 and has seen rapid growth since then, with three successive moves into additional warehouse units and offices. The bespoke development of ecommerce and logistical software has helped to lift sales and provide an efficient delivery service to a large customer base.
“We’ve been able to post growth figures across 37 consecutive quarters and our company ratings with an independent customer review centre is 9.6 out of 10 for the reliability of our service and delivery,” added Paul. “This national recognition will only spur us on to greater things this year as we focus on further meeting customer expectations and working with our suppliers to build sales.”
Clubhouse Golf www.clubhousegolf.co.uk