Direct Golf UK, Europe’s leading multi-channel golf retailer, heralded their first annual supplier awards at the Cambridge Golf & Conference Centre on Thursday 10th November 2011 a.
The inaugural awards evening saw Direct Golf UK entertain their suppliers at their recently acquired golf and conference site at Hemingford Abbots. The brainchild of Managing Director, Neil Bell and Direct Sales, Purchasing and Marketing Director, James Toase, the evening was as much a thank you to Direct Golf UK’s suppliers for their ongoing support as it was to recognise the brands and products that have had the most positive influence on their retail business in 2011.
Taking place in the superb John Letters’ suite at Cambridge Golf & Conference Centre – the evening brought together the key brands and people from the golf industry for a great night of hospitality and entertainment courtesy of the leading golf retailer.
Neil Bell, Managing Director commented: “What better way to celebrate 20 years in business and a record year for both sales and profit – than to share it with our key suppliers and friends from the industry. We’re very fortunate to have such closer relationships with our suppliers and are delighted so many of them turned out tonight as we shared our plans for 2012 and recognised the brands that have had the biggest influence of our business this year.”
In 2011 Direct GolfUKincreased their retail portfolio from 12 to 17 sites across theUKand drove retail revenues to their highest levels in the company’s 20 year history, bucking the trend of retailers in the process during these tough economic times. In addition, the launch of a new and improved website as well as Direct Golf TV helped increase sales by 21%.
“It’s no coincidence that we had a record year for the business at the same time as forging closer relationships and partnerships with all our suppliers” added Bell.
Chairman John Andrew and Managing Director, Neil Bell, also shared the company’s clear growth and expansion plans for 2012 including the addition of new retail sites in Scotland and the north of England.
Given a clear ‘thumbs up’ from all attendees, the Direct Golf UK Supplier Awards Evening is set to become an annual fixture in the golf industry diary.
Direct Golf UK www.direct-golf.co.uk