Vape wholesaler shows remarkable growth

Hartlepool-based vape wholesaler Phoenix 2 Retail has been recognised one of Tees region’s best businesses.

Phoenix 2 Retail continues to increase its turnover rapidly – despite the challenges of an industry facing tougher regulations. The firm emerged as one of the biggest winners from VelociTees – the annual awards scheme for the Tees region’s best businesses in terms of job creation and turnover.

Phoenix 2 Retail secured  top honours for both large business turnover and overall turnover, fueled by their remarkable growth from £4.5m to over £90m in annual turnover, an incredible 1,911 per cent increase.

Last year, the firm also bagged two awards at the inaugural VelociTees, winning the job creation – large business and the overall job creation titles.

Speaking at this year’s event, Phoenix 2 Retail founder and chief executive Chris Kelly revealed the very latest figures, revealing another bumper annual rise – from £90m to £160m.

“We tried to do something a bit different to what others have done in the sector – we don’t own a brand, we work with brands to get them into main retailers and supermarkets. Sometimes, it’s not until you step back and realise it’s an incredible story,” Kelly said.

“Some days, you feel like you’re in the trench and keeping the machine turning. But we’ve won these awards, and we go back to the office now, go again and keep trying to deliver for our customers.”