Buy It Direct
Location: Huddersfield
Turnover: £80 million
A great place to do business
Buy It Direct grew from a small IT repair shop in Huddersfield. Bought by managing director, Nick Glynne in 1999, he subsequently expanded into PC manufacturing.
In 2002, Nick made a conscious decision to move away from manufacturing and into e-tail, selling IT and electrical goods online. At this time, he faced the dilemma of where to locate his growing business. Having carefully considered his options however, Nick chose to remain in Huddersfield, he said:
“I don’t think people realise just how great Huddersfield is as a place to work and live. I honestly believe that the region offers huge potential for e-tailers. Transport links are excellent, with close proximity to motorway and rail networks; rent, property and labour are more affordable when compared with cities like Leeds; and there’s a huge catchment area for attracting staff and customers.”
A rapidly growing e-business
Having grown significantly over the last few years, Buy It Direct now has 130 employees and operates as a multi-brand e-tailer with around one million customers.
Approximately 50% of Buy It Direct’s business is selling new and refurbished laptops. Although this is predominantly through its website, www.laptopsdirect.co.uk, the Huddersfield showroom and trade counter attracts customers who prefer to deal with a ‘bricks’ rather than ‘clicks’ retailer. A further 40% of business comes from the sale of televisions, kitchen appliances and prams and car seats via tailored websites. Other electronic products, such as CCTV and projectors account for the remaining 10%.
In total, Buy It Direct operates 20 different websites, including ‘white label’ websites for supermarkets and department stores including Sainsbury’s, Debenhams and Blockbuster.
Plans for expansion
Buy It Direct has aggressive expansion plans and is working closely with Kirklees Council.
“Kirklees Planning has been extremely helpful and flexible regarding our plans to expand our showroom, which will help us to grow the business. We also have excellent links with the University’s Business School, which we’re anticipating will provide high quality, mature graduates with the business skills we’re seeking,” said Nick.
Buy It Direct’s sustained growth justifies the company’s decision to remain in Huddersfield and develop its own centre of e-tailing excellence.