Withers Intersport Enters a New Era

Withers Intersport enters new eraA new era dawns for the well-known and independent specialist sports retailer Withers Intersport on Market Street in Leicester.

After more than 40 successful years of running the family business, Bob Withers is retiring and passing the baton to his long standing business partner and former county tennis and badminton champion, Steve Brett.

In the face of the highly competitive sports retail environment and harsh economic conditions, local sports store Withers Intersport is thriving as customers value their specialist guidance and expertise, particularly in racket sports, cricket, rugby, running and bowls.

The business was started by Bob’s father in 1940 and is steeped in local history trading originally as a saddler with just an association with sport repairing leather footballs and cricket pads. But it was Bob’s vision as the need for saddlers declined and motor cars became evermore popular which established the family business into what it is today.

Steve Brett comments “It’s been fantastic working with Bob for the last 14 years and I wish him every happiness in his retirement. I’m ready and looking forward to taking care of the business and steering it into a new phase. From saddles to sport, Withers Intersport really demonstrates how the world has changed and we’ve evolved with it.”

British Over 45s Indoor Singles Champ

Steve Brett Wins British Over 45s Indoor Singles ChampionshipsBritish Over 45s Indoor Singles Champ
Steve Brett is celebrating an outstanding performance in winning the British over-45 indoor singles title. The former County champion went through the competition at Dudley without dropping a set in five matches. He defeated Gloucestershire’s Neil Howitt 7-6, 6-4 in the final to capture the trophy for the first time. The 45-year-old, who is a member of the Leicestershire and Leicester Forest East Tennis clubs, is waiting to hear whether he will go to the world championships in Mexico. He is currently reserve for the Great Britain team.
“I haven’t played tournaments for a few years because of work and family commitments,” said Brett, who is a partner at Withers Intersport in Leicester. “There was pressure and I did feel nervous because I knew there was an opportunity there for me.”
He did not disappoint, winning a trophy that has been won before by the likes of Roger Taylor, Jeremy Bates and Paul Hutchins.
“I wanted to try to win it as well as I could so that people would take note,” he said. “The final was close. I felt a different emo tion in that match because I knew if I won I had won the championship. I didn’t play my best tennis in the final – but I don’t know whether anybody ever does.” Brett added: “The level of veterans tennis is good. People are playing with the old values and respect for the game. It is very competitive. But if you stay fit, look after yourself and maintain a high standard you will do well.” (article by Tim Murray, Leicester Mercury)