Clip‘n Climb, an international leader in the ‘fun climbing’ market, is set to reinforce its UK office and production site. A structural reorganisation will see the company’s New Zealand-based activity moved to a central Clip ’n Climb hub in the UK.
Clip ‘n Climb was invented in Christchurch, New Zealand by John Targett and Tim Wethey, subsequently becoming part of French climbing-wall firm EntrePrises when the French company took a strategic stake in the business.
Clip ‘n Climb has continued to revolutionise ‘fun climbing’ during the last two decades, growing particularly rapidly in the UK, which is now its most successful country with over 80 centres in operation.
As Clip ’n Climb’s most successful country, the UK was the obvious choice for the launch of the Clip ’n Climb franchise programme, with several contracts already signed and openings planned for 2021. This new business model will reinforce the company’s UK presence, offering franchisees a complete turn-key leisure business model, including design and installation for more than 40 colourful, unique indoor and outdoor climbing challenges for all age groups, together with a comprehensive franchise training and support programme covering Business Planning, Finance and Safety, plus discounts and marketing support.
As part of Clip ’n Climb’s strategy to strengthen the expansion and development of the brand, and in view of the company’s strong UK presence, the decision to create its main hub in the UK was a logical step. As of 1 April 2021, operations will be centralised to its UK production centre and the New Zealand site will close. Product development and innovation will be handled from the facility in Kelbrook with the support of mother company Entre-Prises (France).
Benoit Beylier, MD of Sportainment and Climbing Division, cites the move as a positive step towards Clip ‘n Climb’s expansion plans and the company’s commitment to the forecasted growth of the sector.