Pallatrax steps up investor search and targets USA
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The owner of the award-winning UK-supplier of green terminal tackle has stepped up his search for an environmentally aware investor and business partner to help take the brand into its next phase of growth, with the potentially lucrative US bass market firmly in its sights.
The move comes as lead restrictions introduced across Europe bring added urgency – and opportunity – to a business that Simon Pomeroy (above) says has been designed around safer, more sustainable angling products.
“Things are changing with regard to lead restrictions and Pallatrax is in a unique position because everything we do has been designed around the environment,” Pomeroy told Angling International. “We offer products, including a complete and exclusive fishing system that catches more fish. They are of the highest specification and are safe for the environment. That has to suit a forward-thinking investor.”
Pallatrax, known for its environmentally focused terminal tackle and Gripz hook design ranges, is now looking for a partner with investment capacity as well as the commercial and marketing expertise to help open new markets. The immediate priority is the US, where Pomeroy sees exceptional potential in the bass sector.
“The US bass market offers phenomenal potential, especially with the Gripz hook design,” he said. “It is a blank canvas for us. We need somebody with the skill-set to enable Pallatrax to take advantage of that potential, help us market the business and put our products in front of the right people.”
Pomeroy believes the brand’s focus on high-quality materials, performance and environmental responsibility makes it a compelling proposition at a time when anglers and retailers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional lead-based weights alongside exclusive products that clearly helps the angler to catch more fish.
“My products are made from the best materials available,” he said. “If I cannot make the best, I will source the best. As an angler, I design the products for myself. When anglers see the products, they quickly grasp the concept and buy into them.”
The company is also seeing fresh enquiries from the UK, which Pomeroy believes signals that the time is right to explore what is available and accelerate the business. Pallatrax intends to reinforce its domestic position by working more closely with fisheries, retailers and anglers as the number of interested fisheries grows in the region.
“Anglers are looking for new products and we have products that are green, well proven and catch fish,” he said. “Pallatrax is under-exploited as a brand. With the right backing, the world is our oyster.”
Pomeroy likens Pallatrax’s position to that of an ageing pop group performing in clubs whose songs have suddenly been picked up by radio stations and are now getting through to the mass market. “We are on the cusp of great things,” he said. “We are ready to go, but we need the financing and expertise to get our ducks in a row for US expansion.”
While Europe remains an important export opportunity, Pomeroy believes the scale and value of the American market make it the standout prospect. He is seeking a partner who shares Pallatrax’s environmental outlook and can provide strategic mentoring alongside investment for such an exciting opportunity.
“The angling world is ripe for change and we want to break the mould with products that are better and safer,” he said. “It is a no-brainer.”
Pallatrax credentials centre on fish and environmental care
The environmental credentials of British brand Pallatrax centre on reducing harm to water quality and fish.
The flagship green product is Stonze, a range of natural, porous fishing weights designed as a non-toxic alternative to lead. Pallatrax says the Stonze system, including its stainless-steel swivels and non-toxic bonding, has a low carbon footprint and avoids lead contamination. Stonze also negates the concern of fish spooking, thus leading to increased catch rates.
The company’s Gripz hooks are another responsibly-designed product: tiny grooves at the hook point aim to retain fish securely under pressure while returning to a barbless format for easier removal, potentially limiting mouth damage whilst having further benefits over the barbed and barbless hook designs.
Pallatrax also produces nutritional bait ranges in its UK factory, stating that they are formulated for water quality, fish and fisheries, without using synthetic binders or cheap bulking agents. The brand holds Animal Feeds registration and says it follows DEFRA rules. These claims have earned Pallatrax international Green Apple recognition for Stonze and Gripz.
