How Net World Sports Grows Its Own Leaders
Jack Davies and Adam Jones joined Net World Sports at entry level. Nine years later, they sit on the board. Their stories show what career progression really looks like, and why Net World Sports is unlike anywhere else.
Net World Sports is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports equipment retailers, with a global presence and a reputation for a merit-driven culture. Based in Wrexham, the company has grown from a small unit into an international operation, yet its founding values remain unchanged: work hard, back yourself, and keep getting better.
What sets Net World Sports apart isn’t just its growth. It’s where its leaders come from. All five of the company’s Directors joined at the bottom, on entry-level salaries, from Wrexham. Every single one has risen through the business to the boardroom.
“Five Directors. All from Wrexham. All joined at the very bottom on the lowest wage. Every single one has risen through the business to the boardroom. Go and find me another company in this country that can say that, you won’t find one.” Jack Davies, Director of Sales, Procurement & Product Development.
Jack’s Story: Eight Years, One Relentless Drive
Starting Out
Jack joined Net World Sports eight years ago as a sales advisor, his first real job. He describes walking into a small unit filled with ambitious people who wanted to build something.
“The place was full of young, hungry people who wanted to build something. There was no corporate nonsense, no hierarchy for the sake of it, just people grafting and trying to win. That energy hasn’t changed. The scale has, massively, but the hunger is exactly the same.”
Rising Through The Ranks
Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to him, Jack put his hand up for departments he knew nothing about, deliberately choosing discomfort over stagnation.
“I backed myself in situations where I didn’t have the answers yet, figured it out, and delivered.”
Today, Jack oversees Acquisitions, Sales, Procurement, Product Design, Product Development, and Projects. His responsibilities extend to major strategic moves, including sourcing and overseeing the company’s new US warehouse.
What Drives The Business
When asked what has fuelled Net World Sports’ dramatic growth, Jack points squarely to the culture set from the top.
“Our CEO is, in my opinion, one of the best owner-led private company operators in the country, probably beyond that. His mentality hasn’t stayed with one person, it’s filtered through every level. That refusal to stand still, that obsession with being better, that’s what’s built this.” Jack Davies, Director
The Trait That Made The Difference
“Relentless drive. Not the smartest person in the room, and never claimed to be. But I will outwork anyone. Everything I’ve got has come from refusing to stop.” Jack Davies, Director
Adam’s Story: Nine And A Half Years Of Curiosity And Growth
A Part Time Start
Adam joined Net World Sports nine and a half years ago, part-time, in the customer care team, primarily handling Amazon Germany. The office was smaller, the setup was simpler, but the pace was just as intense as it is today.
“It was completely different in so many ways. Back then, we didn’t have the big modern office we have today, but the pace was just as intense.”
Building A Digital Strategy From Scratch
One of Adam’s most defining moments came when he was given the opportunity to move into PPC, pay-per-click advertising, despite having no background in it whatsoever. His marketing degree hadn’t even covered it. Rather than shy away, Adam spent evenings and weekends teaching himself the fundamentals.
“When I joined the department, I knew nothing about PPC, and my marketing degree didn’t even cover it. Once I was given the opportunity, I took it upon myself to get up to speed, spending many evenings and weekends watching YouTube and learning the fundamentals. After six months, it got easier and I was able to really start my career in PPC.” Adam Jones, Director of Digital, Marketing & Content
From Contributor To Director
Adam’s path to the boardroom wasn’t a straight line he’d mapped out. He describes his promotion to Director as a by-product of the work, a recognition of consistent delivery rather than a target he’d been climbing towards.
“Becoming a director was a massive moment for both me and my family. It wasn’t something I was actively striving for day to day, mainly because I didn’t have a clear idea of the path to get there. I’m proud that it’s been more of a by-product of the work I’ve done at Net World Sports.”
Managing With Empathy
Having done the jobs himself, Adam leads his teams with a clear philosophy around trust and enablement.
“You have to trust that people understand their roles better than you do. My responsibility is to support them in the best way possible and enable them to succeed.” Adam Jones, Director
Staying Ahead In A Changing Digital Landscape
As Director of Digital, Marketing and Content, Adam is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead, particularly as AI reshapes the industry.
“AI is increasingly levelling the playing field. Tasks that once required significant thought and effort will become more accessible to all businesses. We need to stay up to date with the latest developments and use cases, otherwise we risk being left behind.” Adam Jones, Director
It’s a mindset that mirrors the company’s broader ethos: never stop improving, never stand still.
A Culture Built On Progression
Both Jack and Adam tell the same story in different ways: Net World Sports is a place where ambition is rewarded, curiosity is encouraged, and career progression isn’t just possible, it’s the norm.
“Nearly all senior positions within the company have been developed from junior roles,” says Adam. “The culture itself is great. It’s fast-paced, challenging, and ultimately very rewarding.”
Jack puts it even more plainly: “Every single person here can make a difference, make real decisions, and go right to the top. That tells you everything about the culture.”
“Aside from the people and culture, if you’re looking to join a company that can truly turbocharge your career progression, Net World Sports is the place to be.” Adam Jones, Director
Join The Team
Net World Sports is growing, and it’s growing its own people. If you have ambition and you’re willing to back it up, the doors are open.
View current vacancies and find out more about life at Net World Sports at our Careers page.
By: Damon Traverse