North East Local Firm to Team Up With the UK's Leading E-Cigarette Manufacturer

BLACKBURN, England, April 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Healthier Smoker is ensuring the future of its e-cigarette business by teaming up with the UK's largest independent vaping company, Totally Wicked.

EU regulations coming into force over the next 12 months will mean that manufacturers and importers of e-cigarettes will have to comply with stringent legislation and introduce new testing procedures. This raft of new regulations will impose significant compliance cost which many small independent vaping stores will be unable to accommodate, without radical changes to their business models.

The 'Healthier Smoker' vaping business has grown into an impressive 14 stores in just 2 years. Whilst the Healthier Smoker brand has achieved rapid success, long term supply continuity, compliance support and brand awareness considerations made a strategic partnership with Totally Wicked a compelling proposition. The Healthier Smoker chain has shops in: Ashington, Bishop Auckland, Newcastle, Sunderland, Byker, South Shields, Washington, Whitley Bay, Consett, Blyth and Cramlington, plus two in Scotland. Soon to be opening in Gateshead and many other locations throughout the North.

Healthier Smoker said, "The joining of the businesses will see the Healthier Smoker brand and shop interiors replaced with the Totally Wicked iconic store look and feel, and the full range of Totally Wicked's sector leading product range. The team is very excited about our new partnership. Working with Totally Wicked will allow us to focus fully on providing the very best customer service, growing further and sustainably our business."

Totally Wicked is one of the first e-cigarette companies in the UK, setting up business in 2008, and is a founding member of the Independent British Vape Trade Association. Totally Wicked produces e-liquid in the UK in its dedicated production facility and designs and manufactures one of the largest dedicated ranges of branded vaping products. Through its owned and reseller operated retail, Totally Wicked products are available through over 100 dedicated vaping stores in the UK.

Fraser Cropper, CEO of Totally Wicked said, "I am thrilled to welcome the Healthier Smoker team to the Totally Wicked family. With our support and experience, current and future stores can look forward to bright and sustainable futures. As a team we will continue to strive to improve and offer the very best products and support to current and future Healthier Smoker customers."

Re branding is currently taking place, with the first 'new' store having opened on the 22^nd April in Ashington.