“Making high quality items accessible through retailers is a badge of honour.”
Hux – the new name for Hucklesby Associates - has been appointed sole distributor for USG (United Sportsproducts Germany) in the UK and Ireland.
The wholesaler has long supplied the trade with body protectors and footwear by German manufacturer USG – but this new agreement gives Hux exclusivity.
Managing director George Hucklesby sealed the deal on a visit to Germany last Monday.
“We’re over the moon, really chuffed” he told ETN.
“Wealth shouldn’t be a prerequisite”
USG body protectors are big sellers in Germany, having been voted ‘number one’ for five consecutive years by Cavallo magazine readers.
“They’re incredibly affordable,” says George, noting that the Level 3 USG Eco-Flexi Body Protector retails at around £90.
“We aim to be a supply channel of high qualify safety items that are accessible to all riders - that’s a badge of honour for us. Wealth shouldn’t be a prerequisite to riding,” he adds.
“USG body protectors are very popular for children. Of course, they tend to grow out of them - but parents can let their chilren experience the great joy of riding without massive capital outlay.”
Helmets coming on stream
Equally affordable USG helmets also look set to disrupt the UK rider safety market.
“The current range has the correct safety standards, and are fine for happy hackers,” says George. “Now we’re working on getting the certification amended for competition and Pony Club use in the UK.”
Standout service to the trade
A change of trading name to Hux has given this wholesaler a modern feel. Yet its support for the trade – and it only supplies the trade - remains traditional.
“We are in competition with some massive and very impressive competitors,” says George. “And, yes, we’re a small, family-run firm but the high level of service we offer makes us stand out.
“Since I came on board five years ago, the priority is putting accessibility to the market at the forefront of what we do.”
Hux receives pallets at its Norfolk headquarters from USG every three to five weeks, ensuring fulsome stock levels. And George is a big believer in paying personal visits to his customers’ shops.
Indeed, as “a small family business,” George agrees that the Hux team can empathise with many similarly situated equestrian retail businesses.
Expect to see new lines in dog products and footwear coming soon from this upbeat company.
