Following a record financial year for both revenues and profit, Direct Golf UK, Europe’s leading multi-channel golf retailer, has announced a number of important changes to the company’s management structure and key new appointments to underpin their continued expansion plans.
James Toase, who was appointed Purchasing and Marketing Director at beginning of 2011, has now taken over responsibility for Direct Sales in his new role as Direct Sales, Purchasing & Marketing Director.
Having project managed the launch of new and improved website and Direct Golf TV, Toase, assumes responsibility for all direct sales leaving Managing Director Neil Bell to concentrate on retail sales and the company’s aggressive expansion plans.
Opening five new stores in 2010-2011, Direct Golf UK increased 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 online sales by 14% year-on-year and early figures already indicates much greater online activity for 2012.
The news follows another successful year for award-winning Direct Golf UK, who has also recently announced the acquisition of leading Scottish retailer, Scottish Golf Centres, to open their first stores north of the border and take the total number of retailer outlets to 19 with two new sites in Dundee and Edinburgh.
Neil Bell, Managing Director, commented: “To achieve 42% growth in retail revenue this year when there is little, if any, growth on the high street – is truly outstanding. Whilst we’re proud to be celebrating 20 years in business with a record financial year for both sales and profit, we are also keen to kick-on with our growth plans.”
In addition to Toase’s new role and responsibilities, Direct Golf UK will also be bolstering their Purchasing and Marketing Departments with the appointment of a new Purchasing Manager, Online Marketing Manager and as well as a House brand Marketing Manager to work alongside Jared Wood, who retains responsibility for Direct Golf UK Offline marketing activity.
James Toase, Direct Sales, Purchasing and Marketing Director, added: “Having been with the Direct GolfUKfor 13 years, it’s exciting times for the business and for me personally. There are not many businesses that have made the investment that Direct Golf has in 2011 in terms of new retail stores and marketing platforms, so with the added resource and investment in people – we’re looking forward to an even better 2012.”
With an improved online shopping experience at www.direct-golf.co.uk, new retail sites and the creation of Direct Golf TV, Direct Golf UK continue to expand and improve every area of their business.
“We have aggressive expansion plans for the business and our latest financial results demonstrate that golfers appreciate our mix of World Class customer service, huge stocks, super fast delivery allied with the best prices in the UK. Our aim is to have a total of 20 Direct Golf UK stores by the beginning of the New Year. So watch this space for further details of further store openings” added Bell.
Direct Golf UK’s new Autumn/Winter 2011 catalogue, full of the latest deals on all golf equipment, is available now from all channels.