Kick Sport scores with Catapult funding
Midlands investment fund Catapult has provided a cash boost for martial arts retailer Kick Sport. The company said it would use the investment to develop its UK and overseas markets.
The Peterborough-based company received an undisclosed investment from Catapult, which has offices in Birmingham and Leicester.
Kick Sport sells more than 2,000 product lines including its own label clothing and brand names such as Adidas, Nike and Mizuno.
After obtaining the funding package from Catapult, the company said it was looking to extend its range of own-brand leisurewear and drive growth overseas.
Richard Bucknell, fund principal of the Catapult Growth Fund, said: "Martial Arts participation is still fairly modest in the UK, with about 4,000 clubs, and has significant scope to grow, when compared to countries in Europe and beyond.
"The company is looking to replicate the success of other specialist pastime and sports retailers who have used the web to provide tangible benefits to sports enthusiasts. Management is looking to establish the brand as the leading operator in this growing ‘niche’ market."
