ASAP Supplies, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of marine components and equipment, is to open new branch in Hampshire – the first step in a major expansion programme.

Since the acquisition of ASA by Arleigh International in 2017, and the resources available from the UK holding company Euro Car Parts, the mail order distribution company have developed ambitious expansion plans for 2018 and 2019.

From its base in Beccles, Suffolk, ASAP is embarking on a series of UK branch openings, most of which will be based within ECP facilities.

The first branch to open is ASAP South, operating from the ECP facility in Fareham.

Cheryll Gill, head of business development for ASAP Supplies, said: "We have always tried to pass on our award winning customer services to the marine industry, irrespective of location. Now we are able to offer a more local service, coupled with our Beccles operation, we really do feel that each and every one of our customers will benefit. Whether they are boaters, boat operators or boat builders involved in any aspect of our industry."

Gill continues: "Fareham is our first, but we have identified several other locations that we feel our customers will benefit from a more localised service. With the support of our parent companies, we look forward to passing on the proven positive attitude we have embraced to each and every one of these locations”.

Founded in 1989 by Mark Reynolds and Peter Edwards, the firm serves the leisure and commercial marine industries with more than 14,500 stock lines of parts and spares.

ASAP in Fareham will be offering a delivery and collection service and will officially open its doors for business on Monday.