Terry takes a corporate view to expand sportswear firm

MANY business sectors experience quiet periods in the year, but instead of just putting up with it Terry Schofield of South West Sports identified a gap enabling him to attract new business from a new market.

Terry and his wife, Heather, together with sons Matt, Jason and Mike have been in the sportswear and equipment business for 10 years selling to teams, clubs and individuals online through their websites at discountsportonline.co.uk, teamkitsforeyou.co.uk and 21stcenturycricket.co.uk, and direct from their premises at Caddsdown Business Centre.

In order to maintain business during the quiet months following Christmas, Terry identified a gap in the corporate wear market and has added workwear, hi-viz clothing, footwear and other apparel used by a range of businesses to their sportsforeyou.co.uk online catalogue.

“We tested the market and noticed a big gap,” said Terry. “We have always supplied football and rugby kits and can now offer an embroidery service for corporate polo shirts, sweatshirts and other clothing.”

Terry found many people sourced their corporate wear from the internet or outside the area and is pleased to be able to offer them a local service combining high quality and competitive prices.

“We can supply clothing for bar staff and waiting staff and are talking to large manufacturers and housing associations,” Terry continued. “We can also offer bolt-ons such as a loyalty card scheme giving employee discounts.”

Using the company’s existing experience, personnel and office facilities has enabled the expansion with minimal set-up costs. Long-standing relationships with a Devon-based embroiderer and with suppliers of high quality clothing and well-known brands also helped get the service off to a flying start without the teething problems often associated with new ventures.

“Customers are already happy with the quality and service,” said Terry. “There is no minimum quantity for orders and after the set-up charge has been paid there is total flexibility.”

The company can also source specific products and get them made up especially for customers, using its links with wholesalers and suppliers to offer the widest possible choice and secure the best deals.

As well as serving customers in North Devon, Terry is talking to companies all over the country and is positive about the response. “It demonstrates that we can buck the trend,” said Terry.

Article Published in the NDJH Thursday 28th January

http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/news/Terry-takes-corporate-view-expand-sportswear-firm/article-1763075-detail/article.html