A Newcastle inflatable hot tub company is planning to make waves overseas as it targets new markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Wave Direct was launched in 2019 as an online venture for Dan Luper and Tom Jeffrey, selling a range of inflatable hot tubs as well as sports and leisure kit.
It was originally a sideline business for the pair, but rocketing demand for hot tubs to enjoy in lockdown took it from first year turnover of £300,000 to sales of £4m in one month alone last spring.
Now the firm is expanding its partnership with e-commerce platform Aero, to help establish a presence in Europe and the United Arab Emirates for its inflatable Wave spas, hot tubs and sports equipment including kayaks.
Having already made the first steps into exports with £1m worth of sales in the US last year, Wave Direct is working with Middlesbrough’s Aero Commerce to support the management of payment transactions through a series of new country-specific websites.
All its new websites offer the latest functionality and next-generation technology, including an augmented reality feature, which allows customers to view a hot tub in their own home.
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The move forms part of Wave Direct’s continued scale-up strategy, building on its impressive 2020 performance.
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The company achieved sales on £13m in the last year and it is targeting turnover of £25m for its current year.
In addition to its direct sales ecommerce activity, the company has also secured a number of online and instore agreements with high street retailers including John Lewis, The Range, Selfridges, Iceland, Homebase and B&Q.
Looking ahead, Wave Direct also plans to expand its premises as it grows its design, manufacturing, logistics and support services capabilities.
As a result, the team of 15 will also more than double this year, with the creation of 25 new North East jobs.
Tom Jeffrey, managing director of Wave Direct, left his job as e-commerce director for online retailer Jules B to focus fully on Wave Direct.
Mr Jeffrey said: “We are confident there will be a demand for our range of products in more international markets and are gearing up to make Europe and the UAE our next target regions.
“Having tested our export capabilities with sales into the United States, which is gaining momentum, we are well placed to enter new markets.
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“With the government and the EU reaching a Brexit agreement Europe is a natural next step for Wave Direct, along with the UAE, which also presents real opportunities for the business.
“Key to our strategy will be our continuing relationship with Aero Commerce. We have worked closely with them since we have founded the business with their platform supporting part of our online activity, which will now be at the core of all our 海角视频 and international ecommerce sales transactions.”
Richard Bendelow, chief executive of Aero Commerce, said: “Wave Direct is an entrepreneurial success story that is thriving based on a high-quality product range and exceptional online presence.
“Tom and his team haven’t stood still and are continuing to evolve to not only maximise on the lockdown-boom in hot tub sales, but also create a sustainable international leisure business, supported by our ecommerce platform, Aero.”