A Port Talbot family firm best known for making valves for naval warships is moving into padel, and a 22-year-old is leading it.
Elliott Hobbs launches Red Dragon Padel on Monday 16 November. The business will build padel courts and run its own venues, starting with one on the Trecenydd Industrial Estate in Caerphilly.
His family owns Great British Manufacturing Group, a precision engineering company that makes industrial piping valves, including specialist parts for warships.
He is starting the new venture with his father Alun, mother Sarah and brother James.
Elliott said: “We’re known for producing precision-engineered valves – we’re the Rolls-Royce of valve manufacturing.”
He added: “Building padel courts is very different, but our engineering knowledge has allowed us to design and manufacture the courts, cutting production time and significantly reducing costs.”
No staff on site: book online and let yourself in
The venues will run without staff. Players book a court online and get in with a secure entry code.
Elliott, a keen player himself, said: “This model is becoming increasingly popular and allows us to keep operating costs low while making the sport more accessible.”
The idea came out of the family’s existing relationship with a British padel court supplier, the company says. More venues across south Wales are planned for next year, though no locations have been named.
£20,000 Start Up Loan after trouble with traditional lenders
The launch is backed by a £20,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, after what the company describes as difficulties getting finance through traditional lenders.
Elliott said: “We were really impressed at the speed our application was processed and with how uncomplicated the experience has been.”
Jessica Phillips-Harris, the bank’s director for Wales, said Red Dragon Padel was “combining advanced manufacturing expertise with a fast-growing sport to create a unique business model”.
The Start Up Loans programme offers government-backed loans of up to £25,000 per person, with free mentoring.
The company has not said how many jobs the new business will create.
A sport that keeps growing
Padel has grown fast. The Lawn Tennis Association now counts more than 1.4 million players and 2,353 courts.
Closer to home, Neath Sports Centre is due to get two courts by spring 2027, which would be the first in Neath Port Talbot.
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