Flip Out owner says no room for more rivals after jump in trampoline parks
The number of trampoline parks springing up across the UK has surged over the last few years.
Yet one boss in Kent believes the industry is reaching saturation point and says there is no more room for new indoor parks in the county.
Mark McGill launched his Flip Out franchise in Chatham Maritime in November 2016 and has doubled visitor numbers from 5,000 in its opening month to 10,000.
It is one of five trampoline parks in the county and among about 200 across the country, up from less than five just three years ago, he said.
Although he hopes his number of customers can grow to 15,000 by the end of the year, he does not believe Kent can sustain another venue.
There is another Flip Out franchise in Ashford, while operator GraVity has sites in Bluewater and Maidstone and there is an independent park named Soar in Rainham.
Mr McGill said: "I don't think the growth has got that far to go.
"We are at 200 now nationally and I reckon we could get to 250.
"Provided we don't have two opening next door to each other then the market in Kent will be ok.
"In Bristol, which is not that big, they've got seven. That's too many. They are just damaging each other's revenues.
"Medway has two and a population of 280,000. That's fine but I don't think Kent can sustain another trampoline park."
Flip Out has 20 sites across the UK, with another five due to open soon, including at Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock. It has 78 outlets in seven countries, making it the fastest-growing trampoline park operator in the world.
By contrast, GraVity has eight sites across the country.
Its flagship 30,000 sq ft space in the former Glow exhibition centre at Bluewater opened in December.
Mr McGill is not surprised trampolining has taken off.
"There aren't that many indoor family activities apart from bowling and the cinema," he said.
"Anyone can have a go on a trampoline - it doesn't require great skill - and it's really good for your health."
As competition increases, Mr McGill has launched corporate hospitality packages in a bid to tap into new markets.
He has spent £5,000 on a new drinks licence and refurbishing the 18,500 sq ft venue's terrace overlooking the marina at Chatham Maritime, adding artificial grass and new furniture to a previously drab concrete space.
"That plays to the hands of corporates," he said.
"They come in to do teambuilding and then get exclusive use of our terrace, which plays into the corporate market. That is a USP for us."
Dartford FC Business Club tried out the venue for a teambuilding day.
Jeremy Ramsden, who runs the group, said: "It got the team working together to achieve objectives and hit targets in a fun and relaxed environment. It was absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend it."