Sports retailer’s growth goal

A FAMILY-owned sports retailer is celebrating a milestone year in business with a move to bigger premises.

Barrington Sports, which was founded in 1982 by former ICI executive Barrington Dolby after returning from working in Africa, is now run by his son Tom.

Based in Knutsford, Cheshire, Barrington Sports employs 25 people and specialises in five core sports – hockey, cricket, rugby, netball and running.

As well as selling online, the company trades direct to the public from its base on the Parkgate Industrial Estate.

It has just moved its banking from Rotal Bank of Scotland to HSBC, which is supporting its expansion plans and a move to larger premises, adjacent to the current location, with a new 25,000 sq ft square foot building.

Tom Dolby said: “We are ambitious for growth, and the new premises will allow us to open a larger shop and a bigger warehouse for the online part of the business.

“In a challenging market place for retail we are proud of our progress over 30 years and we will continue to focus on providing a premium service to our customers.

“Our focus is on becoming the best in terms of online and in store customer service, rather than any aims around becoming the biggest”

Turnover is expected to increase 10% over the next 12 months, and Mr Dolby says he is hopeful of increasing the workforce too.

Lee McCracken, HSBC’s area commercial director for Cheshire, said: “Barrington Sports is a great example of a business that has consistently kept in line with the market and capitalised on growth opportunities.

“From expanding its product range, to investing in its website to enable online shopping, the business has successfully stayed market relevant and reaped the benefits as a result.

“The high-street and retail industries have notoriously faced difficulties in the current climate, so it’s great to see Barrington Sports’ continued success.”