Sparkworld was started in 1985 by Marian Crausaz and Ian James, who had previously
run a small company called Torbay Tubes. The contacts gained through Torbay Tubes
allowed them to start Sparkworld.
The first premises were located just off the Kerswell Road in a group of units called
Coventry Farm, where they distributed reconditioned machines to the Cornwall area.
After a short while Sparkworld relocated to the Brunel industrial estate in Newton
Abbot, into a 6,000 sq ft warehouse, and here it stayed for a few years.
The next move took Sparkworld to a site on the Heathfield Industrial estate, just
outside of Bovey Tracy, where the company was expanded to sell retail as well as
wholesale. After 10 years of continual growth the company purchased, what was then
the Coca-Cola distribution centre, a few units down the road at 9 Battle Road, a
2.2 acre site. To cope with the increase in retail sales, a large comprehensive
showroom was built.
Since moving to this site, increased trade has required additional warehouse space
on the site with mezzanine floors to make use of the large volume.
Since it started 25 years ago Sparkworld has developed from a business run by the
two Managing Directors to a company employing 32 staff and delivering all over Devon
& Cornwall and distributing throughout England & Wales.
Further development of the company has lead to the sponsorship of the local football
club Torquay United, both their club strip and their away stand. The company also
supports many local causes and charities including Paignton Zoo.
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