Sports supplement firm is pumped up to expand
AValleys sports nutrition company, whose co-founder is Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell, has expanded its range of products and is expected to double its turnover this year.
Pro-Athlete Supplementation, which is based in Rhymney, manufactures and sells performance nutrition and hydration products to professional sport clubs across the country.
A recent five-figure investment from Lloyds Banking Commercial Banking has allowed the company to expand its range of products and provided them with the working capital needed to pitch for new contracts.
The company was founded in 2006 by Mr Campbell, who took gold at the Athens Olympics in 2004 in the 4x100 metre relay, and leading sports nutritionist Jon Williams.
Over the past 11 years the firm has made a significant impact on the world of professional sport and now works with a number of leading football and rugby clubs across the UK.
Pro-Athlete Supplementation is the official supplier to Premier League Champions Leicester City, the Welsh Rugby Union and Football Association of Wales.
Last month it was also announced as an official supplier to the British and Irish Lions for their tour of New Zealand.
Mr Campbell said: “We create effective products that are designed with the country’s top athletes in mind.
“But as more people have become more interested in sport and fitness, there has been an increased demand from consumers, and to capitalise on this we are planning to launch our products in leading supermarkets over the next 12 months.
“Our annual turnover exceeded £1m for the first time in 2016, solely through contracts with professional sports clubs, so the retail sector presents a huge opportunity for further growth.
“One lesson I’ve learnt from my sporting career is that to be successful you need people to believe in your dream.
“It was obvious when the team at Lloyds Bank completely believed in us, and they’ve been integral part of helping us to develop the business.”
Michael Hayes, relationship manager from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Working in sport for many years means that Darren and Jon have a positive and driven attitude, which has led to Pro-Athlete Supplementation becoming the go-to nutrition product for many of the country’s top athletes.
“Providing tailored funding packages is one of the many ways that we’re helping businesses to prosper, and since 2011 we have increased our lending to small firms by 30% – when the market has contracted by 11%.”