Barnsley based Karate Kid Limited, wholesalers of UK and international martial art supplies, has recently expanded to new premises at Unit 3 Wharncliffe Business Park at Carlton.

From left to right – Kate Carter- Brown, Director and co-worker Estelle Reid outside new premises at Wharncliffe Business Park

On-line suppliers of martial art clothing and equipment, Karate Kid Ltd have an extensive product range to suit all disciplines including karate, judo and taekwondo. While stocking a wide range of well-known brands, the company also sells products under Karate Kid’s own ‘Accent’ brand. Investment in a new embroidery machine means the company can also offer exclusively designed embroidered martial art belts and a full black belt embroidery service including English to Japanese translation. These made to order products are all completed in house to ensure the most competitive prices and efficient turnaround times of just 7 to 10 working days.

Director, Kate Carter-Brown established the business five years ago to satisfy an identified gap in the market. An innovative approach to business has since led to the significant growth of the company and now employs an additional member of staff. Karate Kid Limited now complete 90% of their sales via their website www.karate-kid.co.uk. The remainder of their business is conducted at various martial art competitions attended throughout the year.

The growth and expansion of the company’s operations created the need to move to larger business premises. Barnsley Development Agency assisted Karate Kid Limited in their premise search and helped to find the suitable unit at Wharncliffe Business Park.

The move took place in December 2004 and the new premises offer a secure central location, situated close to the well-established Carlton Industrial Estate, just 4 miles north of Barnsley town centre. The area also benefits from an excellent main road and motorway network, enhanced by the Dearne Town A1-M1 Link Road.

Kate Carter Brown, Director of Karate Kid Limited, commented, “In the five years we have been trading the company has gone from strength to strength. The move to the new premises at Wharncliffe represents a major step forward from where we will continue to offer all our customers, both existing and new, an unrivalled and efficient service.”

Ann Glews, Business Development Officer at BDA, said, “It is a pleasure to work with Karate Kid Limited and assist them in their relocation. We hope they continue to expand their operations and experience further growth and future success.”