Cheshire-based UK Padel Courts is proud to manufacture its courts using British steel as it prioritises ‘robustness’ in the face of the nation’s famously unpredictable weather.
Founded by Gareth Evans and Jordan Ingoe last year, UK Padel Courts provide a full service in delivering premium indoor and outdoor padel courts, from site surveys, planning applications and court design to technical drawings, supply and construction. Each project is bespoke, whether it’s a private residence, public project or private members’ club.
In an industry which is attracting its fair share of quick buck-chasing chancers, UK Padel Courts’ co-founders take a straight-talking approach, with a direct phone line open from initial sketches being drawn to the first ball being struck.
Gareth is a former rugby union player, representing Leeds Tykes during their Premiership era, then Lazio in Italy. He later spent 14 years in the health club trade before bumping into co-founder Jordan in Alderley Edge last year. After working in the oil and gas industry, Jordan ran a site accommodation business. Prior to that, he was a coded skilled welder. He knows his steel.
Impressed by the success of The Padel Club in nearby Wilmslow, they hatched a plan to combine Jordan’s knowledge of the raw materials and Gareth’s experience in the sport and leisure trade into forming a padel court business.
One of their top priorities is ensuring all the steel they work with is certified and British-sourced. “Many of the courts coming in from abroad aren’t fit for purpose in British weather conditions,” says Gareth. “We felt they needed to be more robust.”
They use a supplier in the north west, with court structures fabricated off site and stored at their warehouse and head office. Gareth adds: “We also have mini versions where customers can touch and feel the product. Courts can be made in bespoke colours of turf and with a powder-coated frame.”
UK Padel Courts’ projects so far have included an installation at an upmarket campsite in Suffolk and several private homes in the north west. They are developing panoramic and pop-up court prototypes. Many projects are in the pipeline including some high-profile promotions and partnerships with their ambassador, British No.1 Christian Medina Murphy.
The firm works in partnership with canopy suppliers Fordingbridge. Customers are given the option of adding a canopy straightaway, or installing the pads during groundwork to offer the option of adding the canopy at a later date.
“As a new business, the position we’re in is quite exciting,” says Gareth. “We’d like to have 15 or 20 courts in place by the end of the year. I think we’ll get there.
“I think overall, the UK will have another 150 courts by the end of this year, taking us up to around 400, then it will double next year and probably again the year after. They will be in parks, private schools and universities. In a few years’ time, there will be thousands of courts.
“People are still finding their feet with it at the moment, but padel courts are less expensive than tennis courts and half the size, so you’re doubling your revenue. You can see why investors like it.
“The future’s bright for padel. We’re thrilled to be part of that.”
Contact UK Padel Courts at: hello@ukpadelcourts.uk
