Growth is Child's Play for Family Business
A FAMILY run toy company is going from strength to strength after moving to bigger premises to meet the demands of its customers.
Internet and mail order firm Toys Direct, run by husband and wife team Brian and Linda Parrish, moved to a new 46,000 sq ft warehouse at Thornaby's Teesside Industrial Estate earlier this year.
The move was made possible with support from Tees Valley Unlimited and Stockton Council and has allowed the company to expand its client base, both nationally and overseas.
And despite a tough year for businesses up and down the country, Toys Direct, which ships toys and playtime favourites, has seen sales increase month by month and predicts further growth this year.
Brian said: "When we moved into our former premises at Stokesley, we thought we were set up for life but as the business grew, we quickly ran out of space and made the decision to look for a bigger unit.
"We looked around and this was the best option for size and location. We're all settled in now and to meet the demand of additional customers, we've taken on two new members of staff.
"It's certainly encouraging that the business continues to grow and we're now one of the largest suppliers in Europe. I expect continued expansion during 2010."
Toys Direct, which is an offshoot of the historic Romer Parrish firm, was set up in 1995 when Brian and Linda, whose sister is television presenter Pam Royle, launched the mail order business from their Nunthorpe home. It launched on the Internet in 1999 which has led to the growth of the firm.
As well as Brian and Linda, the family ties stretch to their children, James and Vanessa, and their 19-year-old granddaughter Kristina, all of whom work for the business.
Michael Kendall, Inward Investment Manager at Tees Valley Unlimited, said: "It's very encouraging to see a family run company, with its roots firmly in the Tees Valley, enjoying continued growth, especially after such a tough year.
"Here at Tees Valley Unlimited, we are committed to supporting firms with growth plans, so I'm delighted we have been able to assist Toys Direct with its move to Teesside Industrial Estate."
Toys Direct's best sellers are the Playmobil range and Thomas the Tank Engine. It also supplies a lot of toys in the Bob the Builder range overseas.
Fran Hughes, Principal Business Development Officer at Stockton Council, said: "The council is always keen to support expansion plans for companies and it is great to see a high street name from our childhood in such a strong position. Through its transition to the Internet and with such a large proportion of export sales, it really is a World Wide Web company."
For more information contact Leanne English, Marketing Manager at Tees Valley Unlimited, on 01642 632013, 07725 602824 or email leanne.english@teesvalleyunlimited.gov.uk.