News / Huboo
Bristol business success story Huboo appoints administrators
One of Bristol’s business success stories of recent years has been sold and has appointed administrators.
Huboo, an “e-commerce fulfilment technology company” well-known as the front of shirt sponsors for Bristol City, Bristol Bears and Bristol Flyers, is now owned by an investor consortium led by Baaj Capital and AB Capital.
An official notice published on Christmas Eve reported that Huboo had appointed administrators but a Huboo spokesperson has said that “the administration process and the acquisition… are designed to ensure continuity of our operations”.
The spokesperson stressed that “protecting our employees is a top priority during this transition” and that they “are committed to safeguarding over 600 jobs”.
Huboo’s head office is on Corn Street in the Old City with their warehouses located across the UK including in Emersons Green, Bradley Stoke and Severn Beach, as well as in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.
Huboo has several warehouses, or ‘fulfilment centres’ in the Bristol area – photo: Huboo
“Our management team is actively engaging with all staff members to provide clear and transparent communication about the changes ahead,” the Huboo spokesperson added.
“We are working closely with the administrators and our new partners at AB Capital to ensure that our team is supported, and any concerns are addressed promptly.
“Our goal is to maintain a stable and positive working environment for all our employees, whilst supporting our clients.”
Bristol24/7 has been told by one small business owner that on December 20, Huboo said there were “technical problems” with Royal Mail and they had switched to Evri with their orders marked as “fulfilled”; but no parcels have been collected from the warehouse.
The Huboo spokesperson said, however, that “all existing inventory in Huboo’s warehouses will continue to be managed and fulfilled”.
Bristol Bears launched their new kit with the help of the Huboo hot air balloon in 2022 – photo: Fever Pitch
Founded in 2019 and growing rapidly since then, Huboo say they have “faced increased headwinds due to an evolving eCommerce market”.
Huboo co-founder, Paul Dodd, said: “This investment ensures the continued operation of Huboo, safeguarding jobs and partnerships with our valued suppliers and clients.
“We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders during this period of transition.
“Our goal is to become the preferred logistics partner for ambitious merchants and brands seeking to scale their businesses.”
Jas Singh, CEO of Baaj Capital and co-founder of AB Capital, said: “We’re excited to be working with the team at Huboo.
“The business has really made its mark in the e-commerce sector in recent years. Huboo sits comfortably in the range of diverse companies under the Baaj umbrella.
“This deal continues the Baaj strategy of providing finance to support existing management and staff to grow and scale their businesses.”
Main photo: Huboo
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