A HUSBAND and wife team have launched a Falkirk business aimed at tapping into one of Britain’s fastest-growing watersports.
Sailing coach Duncan Hepplewhite and wife Emma have set up Paddlefast to make it easy for people to experience stand up paddle boarding (SUP). The pastime favoured is believed to be favoured by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Pippa Middleton and Matt Damon.
The Hepplewhites, who received a £5000 grant from Business Gateway Falkirk, sell and rent inflatable paddle boards online. SUP boards typically cost between £400 and £1500 to buy.
Emma Hepplewhite said: “The majority of Scotland’s population lives within a five minute drive of a waterway; whether that be a canal, loch, river or the sea, making SUP the perfect way to stay fit outdoors.
"You just need a board, paddle, life jacket and some balance to get started – that’s the beauty of the sport. It’s a brilliant all-round form of exercise, for mind and body."
Paddlefast is Mr Hepplewhite’s second sailing venture. Sailingfast, formed in 2002, sells sailing spares at events and online, where it also sells boats and offers boat servicing. It increased turnover by 27 per cent to £200,000 in the year to June.
Both companies form the Scottish Sailing Group, which is forecast to turn over £300,000 in its 2015/2016 financial year. Ms Hepplewhite added: “We want Paddlefast to become the first name on everyone’s lips when they are looking to buy boards, wetsuits, clothing – basically everything you need to keep you on the water and paddling fast.”
Councillor Dennis Goldie, spokesman for economic development at Falkirk Council, said: “Duncan and Emma have used their expertise and insider knowledge to not only establish and grow one successful business, but launch a new enterprise that has huge growth potential. We are delighted that Business Gateway’s assistance has played a significant part in helping them fine tune their business goals."
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