Padel hits sweet spot

SPORTS business UK Padel is smashing it with commercial and community masterstrokes that have secured it a top spot in the racquet game that’s renowned for being easy to master and very sociable.

- Maisha Frost

NET GAINS: UK Padel is booming, below, Nick Baker

Founded in 2020 by brothers-in-law Nick Baker and Neil Percival, they teamed up after spotting how padel — a contest of four players with elements of tennis and squashwas gaining ground in the UK.

Taking the plunge with a startup paid off and the entrepreneurs’ operation is now in a commanding position building and running clubs alongside organising tournaments and schedules for a wide age group.

Together these ensure every aspect of the player experience — courts, access and training — is covered with the benefit of full brand visibility for UK Padel.