HUUB Announce Further Expansion Plans
Leading triathlon kit designers HUUB are planning major expansion and increased research and development in its ranges following another year of sales growth.
HUUB founder and owner Dean Jackson created the company in 2011 as a new sporting brand which utilised technology and research in the design of its clothing and accessories to deliver performance enhancing products.
The initial focus was on wetsuits which are now sported by some of the world’s top triathletes including Olympians Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, who have now renewed their contract with HUUB until 2020, and Derby’s own Tom Bishop who will compete in the Commonwealth Games 2018.
This phenomenal success amongst elite and non professional triathletes alike has resulted in HUUB securing a 30% share of the UK wetsuit market in just five years and the company now has a presence in 20 other countries.
Ongoing research and development and further product launches, including nine patented or trademarked features, has resulted in substantial growth in the UK and 20 other countries worldwide.
This has led to increased sales from £1.6 million in 2015/2016 to £3.35 million in 2017. Sales are forecast to top £4.1 million in 2018.
Dean Jackson explained that, from this position of strength, HUUB’s vision was now to expand its ranges and broaden its international markets.
He said: “Triathlon continues to be the world’s fastest growing amateur sport and we are fast becoming the brand of choice for elite and non-professional athletes alike.
“We have seen outstanding growth in the past two years despite the continued uncertain economic climate and particularly the impact of Brexit on exchange rates.
“Growth has come from direct sales in the UK and greater penetration through the distributor network in countries such as Japan, France and Norway where we are now selling a greater range of our products. We are also looking at the emerging international markets such as South East Asia, Japan and Australia.
“We have had much-needed backing from Innovate UK and this needs to continue for companies such as ours with trade agreements still up in the air and an even greater need for innovation to set British companies up above the rest in international markets.
“Having conquered the UK wetsuit market and created a strong brand, we can now expand into other areas of performance clothing and accessories – built on the same principles of Research science and reality.
“Our attentions are particularly turning to R&D in cycling apparel. We are working with aerodynamics expert Dan Bigham at the Derby Arena velodrome to apply the same rigour that we undertake for research into wetsuits and tri-suits to our new cycling range – leading to better performance, comfort and functionality on the bike.”
Mr Jackson continued that a particular focus for HUUB this year would be on meeting the entire clothing and apparel needs of triathletes at work, rest and play whether they competing, chilling out before or after a race or preparing for their next race.
“The triathlete is a unique athlete and not content with excelling at one discipline but with the desire to undertake and master all three aspects of a competition - swim, cycle and run.
“This commitment and devotion not only changes their body but also their life style and they want the full wardrobe with kit and accessories whether racing, training or relaxing.
“This is the opportunity for HUUB to be the first complete ‘for us – by us’ triathlon brands – serving all the elements of activity and to expand the knowledge and technical developments from triathlon into other sporting arenas.”