In this section:
Company History
Hereward's 38 years in business guarantees you the best advice born out of experience plus the comfort in knowing we'll be here for you tomorrow.
Hereward is not just a "virtual business" operating only on the internet. It is a real live business based in the busy commercial heart of Peterborough at 24 Fenlake Business Centre, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5BQ with a large showroom, warehouse, production area and administration all under one roof.
This is a true family business with values to to match about how to care for its customers. There are 7 key members of staff and you can learn more about each of them in Meet the Team.
The company was started in Peterborough in 1972 by David Oxer and partners in an ex-cheese shop in the city centre at Hereward Cross. At that stage called Hereward Sports Ltd. the shop catered for a wide range of sports - football, cricket, athletics, tennis, squash, etc. but soon moved on to much larger premises as it became a respected source of supply to East Anglia's sporting community.
At all levels from beginner to expert, advice was sought from David and his team on every aspect of sports clothing, footwear and equipment.
By 1990 Hereward Sports had 3 large city centre stores plus a new specialist trophy production unit to cope with ever increasing demands.
The storm clouds were gathering however, and by 1993 the large national multiples had moved in on the independents with dramatic results. The sports trade changed overnight into a fashion and leisure industry - a massive shift away from the traditional sports shop and its culture of customer care.
With this in mind David Oxer and his wife Cherryll set up a new company in 1995, Hereward Sports Teamwear & Trophies, and quickly developed a new niche market in the supply and personalisation of teamwear plus awards and trophies. Both areas require specialist knowledge and attention to detail where they reckoned they could beat the multiples.
Ady Barkess had previously worked with David for 7 years as Supervisor/Buyer at Hereward Sports Ltd. He was then approached by Mitre Sports International to works as an Area Sales Manager. Ady was quickly promoted and was responsible for looking after several key accounts including Tottenham Hotspurs, West Ham & Norwich City. With field sales experience valuable to the growing company Ady invested as a joint partner in 1998.
Originally concentrating on the sports sector, the company has now expanded into education and business where the demand for personalisation of clothing, awards and trophies is just as strong.
