Simply Scuba Goes Into Administration
It has been confirmed that the award-winning, UK-based dive business 'Simply Scuba' has appointed administrators.
Simply Scuba won Diver Magazine's 'Retailer of the Year' ten years running, from 2009 to 2018
In the mid 90's Gerrard Dennis attended a DEMA seminar where it was stated the future of diving was online. Shortly afterwards in 1995 Dennis founded 'Simply Scuba'. Simply Scuba was either the first, or one of the very first internet-based scuba equipment retail businesses in the UK.
In more recent years Simply evolved its business model. It branched out into other leisure sectors and founded 'Simply Beach', 'Simply Hike' and 'Simply Swim', and established a high quality showroom at its headquarters in Faversham, Kent.
"Diving remains a sport enjoyed by many here in the UK and overseas but with changing shopping habits, we too are looking to make shopping with us more interactive and fun going forward. Simply Scuba"
Administrators Appointed
It is believed that 'Crowe UK' has been appointed as the Administrator. It looks as though the plan is to sell the business as a going concern, rather than shutting it down. Emails have been circulating within the diving trade advertising a "Distressed business sale - award-winning online retailer specialising in scuba equipment, beachwear, outdoor clothing and equipment."
Distressed business sale
"An excellent opportunity exists to purchase the business and assets of an award-winning online retailer and manufacturer specialising in scuba equipment, beachwear, outdoor clothing and equipment.
Available Immediately from Administration
- Well established brand – having been trading for over 25 years
- The company have won multiple industry awards
- The company operates multiple ecommerce stores
- Trading from a leasehold premises
- Warehouse equipment, office furniture and equipment, IT equipment, retail stock
- Other assets include: Goodwill / Brands / Trading names etc, Websites / Domain names, Customer contact databases
Interested parties are requested to register their interest, via email, with SIA Group, who are acting as Agents on behalf of the proposed Administrators. Deadline for offers: 1pm on Thursday 30th April 2020."
It is expected that there will be some interest from bidders to buy the business outright. However, given the current COVID-19 crisis, it is far from clear what will happen during this uncertain economic situation.
When Simply Scuba was launched in 1995, its original logo featured a shark wearing sun glasses