Barnsley retailer Direct2Mum doubles turnover in 2015

A retailer based in Barnsley has seen its turnover double over the past year and has now revealed plans for further expansion in 2016.

Direct2Mum, which sells products geared towards babies, toddlers and expectant mothers, grew its turnover from £3m to £6m over the last 12 months, but takings are forecast to hit £10m next year as it opens three new stores.

The company’s expansion plans are backed by the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) through Barnsley Council’s business development arm, Enterprising Barnsley.

Alex Leslie, Direct2Mum’s managing director, said: “This is an exciting time for us as a company as we’ve seen exponential growth this year, but we’re always looking at how we can grow and expand further.

“It’s great to see that our turnover has doubled, and we’re really keen to see the business grow further and become a household name.”

He added: “We pride ourselves on being there for parents from day one and we understand what we need to do to help parents make the right decisions for their child, and choose the right products for them.”

The firm was founded in 2010 as an online shop supported by a 13,000 sq ft site at Dodworth Business Park. In May last year, Direct2Mum opened its first bricks-and-mortar store. Today, the company employs a team of 53 and draws around 60% of its sales from its online business.

Discussing the support of the BBIC, Alex continued: “The ideas that we get from BBIC are fresh and in keeping with the company.

“They’re always there for us when we’ve got a new idea, and they have all the contacts we need to put us in touch with the right people.”

To expand further, the firm is considering Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Enterprising Barnsley’s business development manager with the BBIC, Kevin Steel, said: “It comes as no surprise that Alex is seeing the business grow and shine, and it’s great that they are doing that right here in Barnsley.

“Barnsley, right beside the M1, is a great location to site a store with regional and national reach and Direct2Mum are a great example of how to do business well in the borough.”

Kevin added: “They have a wealth of knowledge in their sector and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and expand.”