Angling Direct completes Brexit-proofing as Dutch warehouse opens

The AIM-traded firm said the opening of the 3,940 square metre facility in Venlo, the Netherlands, was a “significant milestone” in its international omni-channel growth strategy.

It said the facility would provide logistical capacity to support future growth, and would help to mitigate increased export costs and extended customer fulfilment times post-Brexit, which had impacted its recent periods.

The new facility would stock more than 18,000 stock-keeping units (SKU) from over 80 suppliers, tailored specifically for the company’s European customers, and enable it to offer priority delivery across the EU.

Angling Direct’s management was now focussed on optimising its European growth strategy, the board said, supported by its international commercial team.

“We are delighted to have opened our new European distribution centre and to be delivering products to customers across this strategically important region,” said chief executive officer Andy Torrance.

“We see a significant opportunity to continue to grow our market share and European expansion remains a key pillar in the company's growth strategy.

“As a result, this new facility will help us accelerate delivery of our strategic plans in a more cost and time efficient manner.”

At 1251 GMT, shares in Angling Direct were up 11.58% at 53p.