Online At Last!

We've been toying (excuse the pun) with the idea of a website for some time now.  We've looked at having professionally designed sites from large UK based companies, local website design businesses as well as off-the-shelf packages from a variety of different online companies.  At first we set our goal really high, wanting a major launch with all singing and dancing features on it.  We contacted a fantastic company in The Midlands, who gave us a snapshot of exactly what we wanted, albeit at a price that reflected all the extras we'd requested.  When we sat back and really thought about it though, we realised that we needed to test the market first, making sure that a fully e-commerce website is the way forward for us.  The online side of our business is relatively new to us and we want to be able to have gradual learning process, rather than the steep curve that hit us when we opened the high street shop last year.

Image is important to us and we need a strong website, that reflects our professional family oriented business.  However as a new company we really have to keep an eye on cash flow, so a low-cost solution is essential.  After much review we have opted for a create-your-own site from the aptly named create that our  resident Gadgetman, Gerard, has been getting to grips with over the past few months.

We are delighted to announce that we've now published the first version of our site - available to view at www.thehubdirect.co.uk.  As with all of the elements of our business, it is a work in progress, that we will continue to grow and develop over time.  However, we think as a first attempt, dipping our toe in the water, rather than leaping head first, it's a pretty good site.  Of course we can't progress it without your help...so please give us your feedback here and let us know which products you would like to see available online!

Fabulous Fathers!

Well we can't let this week go by without mentioning the fact that it's Father's Day on Sunday (19th June).  I don't know about you but I always find this day the hardest one to find a suitable gift for.  With mother's day it's always easy, flowers, chocolates, perfume, books all spring instantly to mind.  However, when it comes to Father's Day I often struggle coming up with a gift idea that's novel without being tacky - there's only so many "bottle of wine in a glass" glasses each household needs!

Of course, like many other mums out there, I have the added problem that our children are still quite young, so not only do I have my dad to think of, but also my husband!!!!   Double Trouble!

So this year we've put together a few ideas on our Facebook Page to help you (and me) out.  From Wallet Sized bottle openers in a clever little Father's Day pod.....

Fathers Day Pod including Wallet Bottle Opener £6.99

 
...to the ultimate combination of supercars and computers - the motormouse wireless mouse.

Motormouse Wireless Mouse available in Blue, Red & Black £29.99

If you are still struggling for ideas, we also have some fantastic films in that Dad is sure to love, why not add a bottle of wine and some popcorn too and give him exactly what he wants....the movie of his choice and full control of the TV remote!

Angus The Bull - The Perfect Wine for Steak

As you know, at The Hub we like our exclusives!  We try to extend this throughout our product range offering superb quality products that have a something unique about them.  Our latest addition under this heading is Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon, produced by the Aberdeen Wine Company (can't get more Scottish than that!).

Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon £13.49

This incredible wine is the result of tireless work by Hamish MacGowan to produce the ultimate bottle of wine as an accompaniment to prime beef.  He chose to work exclusively with Cabernet Sauvignon, hand selecting and blending the best parcels from outstanding wine regions in Australia, producing one vintage each year.  

Currently The Hub is the only retailer in Scotland to sell this exceptional wine.  The concentrated ripe fruits, integrated savoury oak and powerful finish make it the perfect wine to enjoy with Steak and BBQ'd meats.   If you have a romantic night in planned, or are looking for a great gift for dad next Sunday look no further than Angus The Bull.