Mobile cases firm heading in ‘One Direction’

AN innovative Lancashire company founded by three brothers is looking to double its revenues to £12m by increasing international licensing and distribution deals.

Blackpool-based Ecell Global, which trades under the Head Case Designs brand, is the brainchild of Cem, Tim and Murat Celikkol, who began selling mobile phone accessories in a market kiosk and then on eBay.

Their business now designs, manufactures and distributes phone and tablet cases and has already signed deals with One Direction, one of the biggest boy bands in the world, and Liverpool FC.

The phone cases are currently sold direct to consumers, however it believes that its move into the business to business market through white-labelling manufacturing and licensing deals will double revenues.  

It has invested more than £1m in printing machines, enabling product to be printed on the same day and shipped around the world.

Cem Celikkol says: “The mobile device market is a fast-changing sector with new models coming out all the time. However unlike many of our competitors, we are in a unique position because we can print on demand.

“The success of made to order was driven by our proprietary software that allows speed to market through automation, converting designs to product images and automating manufacturing.

“We have predominately operated in the B2C market however we are now looking at white label manufacturing.

“Our short term aim is to have a 50:50 split across the B2B and B2C markets, producing around three million cases a year. However, our printers have a capacity to print up to six million units so there is huge scope for expansion before we would need to invest in new manufacturing equipment.”

Ecell Global is working with intellectual property experts from Manchester law firm Pannone Corporate on its growth plans. The firm protect its design rights and copyright works against infringers and also support it when it is negotiating licensing deals.

Melanie McGuirk, IP partner at Pannone Corporate, said: “Ecell Global Ltd has a great business model and dynamic management and entrepreneurial team. Its excellent design team and cutting edge manufacturing means there is huge potential for international growth through licensing deals with global brands and also through its consumer website.

“Head Case Designs is fast establishing itself as global brand name and as often is the case, unscrupulous companies look to cash in and copy its products. Therefore it is a critical part of protecting the value of that brand that it does not tolerate any infringers who look to cash in on its reputation.”

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