The Soft Brick Company is looking beyond the UK as export markets for its soft play installations open up.
National Sales Manager Simon Ward explained that in 2010 the company completed its first project in China and at the time we had no idea how well the British brand of soft play would be received by the export market.
"We have since found that the British brand is strong in Kuwait and China, and they like what we have to offer," he said. "The "˜Made in the UK' label is proving to be a good selling point." As a result we are planning to exhibit in Hong Kong later this year at the Asian Attractions Expo – IAAPA in Hong Kong.
"What we are seeing is that local authority leisure centres are reutilising their spaces. For example taking out squash courts or using under-used seating areas and putting in indoor play facilities.
"New enquiries from new private operators have plateaued a little for us and it is local authority and multi-site operators where we are seeing the main activity."
The Soft Brick Company's order book is very active and its factory is running at capacity to meet demand. Exciting new developments in the UK this year already include the conversion of a former slot-machine arcade at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, a major new centre at Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, a new centre at Golden Palm in Skegness, Lincs and a fantastic sports hall conversion for Halo Leisure in Leominster.
There is also an 8,000 sq ft Treetops Play & Party Café in Golborne near Wigan, Little Bridge House Hospice in Devon and an indoor play area at the Windrush Leisure Centre in Witney to name just a few.
"No two builds or enquiries are the same but this is where our real strength is in producing something completely bespoke to suit our customer's needs – I guess this is why we are the UKs number 1 supplier," says Ward.
