Direct Imports UK was founded in May 2010 and has rapidly grown to become one of the biggest suppliers within the wholesale hospitality supplies industry. A true Derbyshire success story that started as a small family business and now employs and supports dozens of people across the county.

Our incredible service and tireless efforts have always provided the best possible quality and value for our customers. It’s these simple factors that have enabled us to thrive in ever-changing and often difficult conditions.

The director, Mark Unsted, spotted an opportunity in the UK market whilst travelling overseas.

Upon returning to the UK, extensive research illuminated the need for supply and service of various products within the wholesale hospitality supplies industry.

The company started with aerosol products then later that year expanded into drinking straws, which were launched at

The Birmingham NEC Hospitality Show in Jan 2011. It soon became apparent that the market was going to rapidly expand. We started with three lines and now stock well over 600.

We moved on to our Fusion Channel Blocks in May 2011 after a large investment into the machinery & mould. We pushed the button on our first production run in late November 2011 and received our first load of goods in the UK in mid-February 2012, ready to launch at the Hospitality Show at London Docklands.

By 2012 Direct Imports UK had grown out of its existing premises and needed to re-locate due to insufficient storage space. In April 2012 we relocated to our current premises of 12,500 sq ft, plus offices and workforce amenities.

In 2013, to assist with the ever-increasing demand, Marks partner Lisa became a director with a 50% stake in the company. Direct Imports has gone from strength to strength ever since with Mark and Lisa working alongside each other and providing the strong team leadership that the company needs.

Direct Imports UK have many factories throughout the world working to produce the best quality products in this tough and challenging market. All our factories are handpicked by Mark Unsted and his Overseas Buyer.

Our transport network has developed to fulfil every one of our customers’ needs. We work very closely with our next-day couriers and pallet networks to make sure our customers receive their goods when they need them.

Direct Imports UK’s delivery services are very important to us as we offer a next-day delivery on all loose cartons and 2-day service on all pallet deliveries, subject to orders being placed before 2 pm.

Direct Imports UK has always taken note of what our customers’ needs are and added products to its range where necessary.  Currently, Direct Imports UK is making a mark on the UK market and has been recognised as a company with many surprises rising from our new product ranges and lines.