A continued surge in lithium batteries is expected to power Golfstream – Europe’s leading electric golf trolley, battery and spares company – to 20% growth this year.
Demand for the Kent-based company’s brand-leading CaddyCell lithium battery is almost outstripping supply. And this, combined with increasing numbers of PGA Professionals using Golfstream’s outstanding spares business to help repair their own customers’ trolleys, is giving a healthy forecast for 2016.
Said Golfstream managing director, Derek Richford: “The trickle has become a flood – the golf trolley market is now moving rapidly to lithium power and as a result our CaddyCell business has grown this year by over 30%.
“We’ve experienced more than half of that from mainland Europe, with a combination of golf professionals and high street retail all keen to take the batteries on because of their reliability, quality and safety record.”
Demand for trolley spares is also on the up. Golfstream is Europe’s largest supplier of spare parts and accessories for almost any brand of trolley with its 10,000 sq ft warehouse in Ramsgate housing in excess of 100,000 trolley parts.
On a weekly basis, the company’s customer service team is reporting that more and more pro’s are getting in touch for spares and to seek advice on fitting, with the company recently posting ‘How To Fit’ videos for its most popular repairs on a special YouTube channel.
Added Derek: “Demand for in-stock spares is increasing every year and we’re also getting asked to source more parts for even more brands of trolleys, beyond the most popular models like PowaKaddys and Hill Billys.
“I think more club-based professionals are realising the need to provide new services to their members and trolley repairs are a quick, simple and cost-effective way to do this.
“We get asked for all sorts of ‘widgets’ and ‘whatsits’ and our customer service team is very experienced at working out what’s required and making sure our trade customers get their parts quickly. Customer care is a key focus for us.
“I would say that the combined growth of the lithium battery market and demand for spares will see Golfstream grow its business by another 20% this year.”
Golfstream also expects to unveil several new developments to its CaddyCell range later this year.
Golfstream www.golfstream.co.uk