News: Pricecheck hits new heights with 11th consecutive year of growth

Rotherham-based Pricecheck has delivered its biggest day, week, month, quarter and year in the company’s history.

With its HQ at Beighton Link in Rotherham, Pricecheck is a fast-growing international wholesaler and distributor of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).

The company has reported highlights of its 2024/25 financial year which included ten consecutive days of £1m+ turnover, £3.3m turnover on the final day of the financial year and £179m in total revenue – a 17.9% increase on the previous year.

A spokesperson for Pricecheck said: "2024/25 marks our 11th consecutive year of growth. For our customers and brand partners, this momentum signals one thing: Pricecheck is investing in growth, building capacity, and ready to go further. Whether it’s breaking into new markets, streamlining fulfilment, or offering category-leading brands, we’re constantly evolving to help our partners thrive."

Momentum has continued into the new financial year with the signing of a distribution partnership with a company that serves approximately 4,400 cups of coffee or tea per second.

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A new deal has been signed with JDE Peet's (JDEP), the world's leading pure-play coffee and tea company.

From July, Pricecheck will become the distribution partner for a portfolio of iconic JDEP brands, including Kenco, L’OR, Douwe Egberts, Tassimo, Maxwell House, and Mellow Birds. The partnership will span key UK channels: wholesale, convenience, foodservice, office, and selected retail.

This strategic move is designed to strengthen JDEP’s reach and enhance service across vital out-of-home markets, helping to increase availability and improve customer experience. In 2024, JDEP’s generated total sales of EUR 8.8 billion.

Laura Hull, Channel Controller at JDEP, said: “The reach and service that Pricecheck brings to this partnership will now bolster support across vital out-of-home channels. We’re delighted to work with the energetic and growth-oriented team at Pricecheck, who treat our brands with high focus and dedication.”

Pricecheck originally moved into the premises at Beighton Link in 2016 and has since taken further space at Manvers, both in Rotherham. It has ambitious plans to increase turnover to £200m.

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News: Pricecheck renew lease on head office and warehouse

International brand wholesaler and distributor Pricecheck has taken a five-year lease renewal for its 113,839 sq ft head office and distribution centre in Rotherham.

The company originally moved into the premises at Beighton Link in 2016 and has since taken further space at Manvers, both in Rotherham. The company finished 2023/24 with a turnover of £151m - growth of 15% on the previous financial year and distributes in excess of 8,000 fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) products to more than 100 countries.

A team from Gordons law firm comprising commercial property partner, Sarah Ratcliffe, and head of property disputes, Paul Joyce, advised Pricecheck on the lease renewal negotiations.

Established in 1978, the company is run by brother and sister duo, Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison, who took the business over from their parents.

Pricecheck’s vision is to be the first-choice distributor for brand owners and customers across the world and it has ambitious plans to increase turnover to £200m.

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Commenting on the lease renewal, Pricecheck joint managing director, Mark Lythe, said: “This lease renewal was far from straightforward with three parties involved, including a previous tenant from whom we were subletting the premises. The team at Gordons helped us to navigate various issues and bring the matter to a successful conclusion within the required timeframe.”

Pricecheck has delivered ten years of consecutive revenue growth.

Gordons’ Sarah Ratcliffe said: “Pricecheck is a fast growing business with significant ambitions, so it was essential for us to secure a new lease on the facilities to enable the company to further deliver its strategic growth plans.

“We had to work at pace within short time frames to conclude the negotiations with the landlord. We are very pleased with the positive outcome and look forward to seeing Pricecheck continue to expand nationally and internationally.”

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News: Pricecheck reports strongest financial year

Pricecheck, an international wholesaler and distributor of fast-moving consumer goods, has reported its strongest financial year to date.

The company, which has its main warehouse facility at Beighton Link and further space at Manvers, both in Rotherham, smashed through its ambitious target of £100m turnover by 2020 and has now broken three financial records, achieving its best month, quarter and year ever recorded - all in the same week.

Trusted by the world's biggest brands, Pricecheck offers more than 6,000 branded products to customers in the UK and to more than 80 countries globally.

After a year of challenges and opportunities, Pricecheck finished 2023/24 with a turnover of £151m - growth of 15% on the previous financial year.

Sales for the final quarter reached £44m, which was 22% higher than the same period last year.

April saw the biggest month ever with revenue of £17.2m – a figure that once represented Pricecheck's annual turnover just 16 years ago, when joint managing directors and brother and sister duo, Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison, took over the reins of the business from their parents.

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A spokesperson for Pricecheck said: "This is our 10th consecutive year of growth, and is one that has been driven by our expanding services. Our core offering of delivered wholesale remains the biggest contributor to turnover but the launch of new supplier partnerships, an increase in digital sales and developments within brand distribution continue to push our business forward.

"In the past 10 years, we’ve diversified from a delivered wholesaler across toiletries and household into a multi-category, multi-channel brand distributor. And there are plenty of new categories and markets to explore.

"To hit growth targets consistently for a decade is no easy task, but the Pricecheck team love a challenge! With a focus on improving efficiencies, innovation and people development – we’re excited to see what we can achieve in the year ahead."

Pricecheck's vision is to be the first-choice distribution partner for brand owners and customers across the world. It aims to continue to grow with ambitious plans to increase turnover to £200m.

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News: Rotherham-based services provider targets £30m milestone

A Rotherham based specialist business services provider is on track to see its turnover increase from £22m to £30m over the next three years, after securing grant funding from the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme.

Elecomm, which is headquartered at Beighton Link Business Park, delivers electrical, mechanical, data and IT support to businesses across the UK.

It counts over 130 colleges across the UK, major retailers including Asda and Ikea, as well as some of the UK’s best known construction companies amongst its growing client base.

Following the launch of a new dedicated facilities management division earlier this year, the company realised many of the systems and procedures it had relied upon since its inception in 2003 were no longer fit for purpose.

Today, the business employs more than 150 sub-contractors working both across the UK and Europe, as well as managing its own warehouse operations and overseeing a fleet of 40 vehicles.

With an increasingly complex business model, the company reached out to the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme to access the support needed to identify more effective ways of working.

Working with key account manager, Claire Green, a match funded grant was secured to help Elecomm invest in business consultancy support to undertake a comprehensive review of its business operation.

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All aspects of the company were placed under the microscope, scrutinised and reviewed, helping it to identify more effective ways of working, as well as highlighting skills shortages within its existing workforce.

Elecomm is now investing in new technology to support more collaborative working across the business.

The company has also embarked upon a significant recruitment campaign, which it hopes will create a number of new roles within the business.

John Hamilton, supply chain director at Elecomm, said: “We’ve enjoyed a significant period of growth in recent years, not only in the UK but also working across a number of international markets.

“It’s been a period that has seen us target new markets and services, as well as investing in the training and development of our staff.

“We knew the changes we wanted to make to the business would not happen overnight, and the support we have been able to access as a result of the Business Productivity Grant is helping us to build on our strengths, identify weaknesses in our business model and implement the changes we knew we needed to make to help us achieve future growth.

“As a direct result of the support we’ve received, we’re on course to achieve our growth target of £30m as well as helping us to develop clear succession plans for the business as we continue to create new skilled jobs within the local economy.”

Recommended reading: Why AI, Blockchain, and Automation Are Reshaping UK Business

Claire Green, Key Account Manager at RiDO said: “In recent years, Elecomm has launched a number of new services; however, the company recognised that as the business grew, it needed to embrace new working methods.

“The support provided through the Business Productivity Grant has enabled Elecomm to consolidate and identify new ways of working.

“It has also helped the company’s management team access the specialist support needed to underpin future growth by improving communications across the business as well as overcoming skills barriers in its workforce.

“It’s great to see the steps they have implemented are already helping the company to reap dividends.”

The Business Productivity Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and provides businesses with 50% grant funding up to a maximum of £12,499, and the other 50% must be provided by the business.

The maximum project application is £24,999 and can include investment in new equipment or machinery and consultancy services to help them overcome barriers to growth.

The scheme is delivered by Enterprising Barnsley, Business Sheffield, Business Doncaster and Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO).

Elecomm website
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News: £10m investment in South Yorkshire skincare brand

Facetheory, a British beauty brand based in South Yorkshire, has raised £10m in funding from Active Partners - an investor in high growth consumer brands.

Founded in 2014 by Jamie Shuker, the online retailer, which offers a personalised skincare range, include vegan, natural and cruelty-free products, has seen significant growth following a heightened demand following an increase of sales during the past year.

Headquartered in Sheffield, in April the company expanded into Rotherham by taking 20,135 sq ft of extra space located in Beighton Business Park.

The company currently employs a team of 60 people in South Yorkshire and the Series A funds will be injected into market growth and research projects, as well as a recruitment drive.

Shuker was driven by the mission to provide consumers with the very best clean skincare products, at a price point they could afford. Since then, Facetheory has become one of the UK’s leading D2C (direct to consumer) skincare brands, with a large international active customer base and leading levels of customer satisfaction.

Facetheory’s product formulations are developed in-house and are some of the most innovative on the market, making the most of natural ingredients to deliver products that are truly effective, as well as sustainable, vegan and cruelty-free.

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Jamie Shuker, CEO and founder of Facetheory, said: “I founded Facetheory on the belief that consumers deserved better for their skin: better ingredients, better results and better prices. It’s been an incredible journey to date, and I’m so proud of the amazing community we have built so far from our home in South Yorkshire.

"I couldn’t be more excited to have Active Partners on board for this next phase of growth, and their deep expertise and experience in building exceptional, ethical consumer brands will be invaluable as we look to further build out our brilliant team and bring Facetheory’s products to a global audience."

Janice Cargo, an investor at Active Partners, added: "Today’s consumers don’t just want great skin care products, they want great skin care products that are ‘clean’, natural and that don’t cost the earth. Jamie recognised this and the team has designed the most exceptional range of innovation, ingredient-led, natural products that consumers genuinely love.

"The brand’s impressive track record and high repeat purchases rates speak for themselves, and this is truly one of the UK’s most exciting and fast-growing direct-to-consumer skin care brands.

"We’re supporting Jamie and his team to supercharge international growth in key markets including Europe and the US, build out the team with best-in-class talent and continue to invest in research and development."

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News: Skincare firm lays foundations with new Rotherham unit

Clean skincare brand, Facetheory has expanded into a newly built commercial unit in Rotherham.

Specialist property consultants Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has completed the letting of a 20,135 sq ft unit located in Beighton Business Park.

Working on behalf of Rotherham Council, CPP has secured a ten year lease with Agden Consulting Ltd trading as Facetheory, with a confirmed rent of £6.50 per sq ft.

The online retailer, which offers a personalised skincare range, include vegan, natural and cruelty-free products, has seen significant growth following a heightened demand following an increase of sales during the past year.

Jamie Shuker from Facetheory, said: "We are delighted to have secured additional space for Facetheory at Beighton Business Park, providing the business with a brand-new industrial unit at a high specification and in a prime location. This expansion follows a time of considerable online growth and progression for the business."

Rothbiz reported in 2019 that Rotherham Council had concluded a property deal at Beighton Link as a revenue generating project. Developer J F Finnegan built out the units ahead of schedule utilising cash from the Sheffield city region JESSICA fund. The authority set aside £990,000 from its own £5m Growth Fund.

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Located on the popular business park on Chesterfield Road in Rotherham, the property benefits from its proximity to J31 of the M1 motorway.

The unit also benefits from two ground level loading doors, an eaves height of 8.0m, a pitched roof with 10% roof lights, disabled WC and show facilities, and concrete yard loading areas.

Max Pickering, assistant surveyor at CPP, said: "This deal is indicative of the increasing demand for industrial space across the region. There is now just one unit available at the highly sought after Beighton Business Park, and we would encourage any interested parties to get in touch."

Facetheory will be joining neighbours on the park including international coffee company Starbucks and sandwich franchise Subway.

As part of the final phase at Beighton Link, Unit F, the 29,024 sq ft unit which sits immediately adjacent from Unit E, is yet to be leased.

CPP website

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News: Pricecheck hits £100m turnover

Pricecheck, an international wholesaler and distributor of fast-moving consumer goods, has achieved its ambitious target of £100m turnover by 2020.

Having set the target in 2015, Pricecheck has achieved consecutive years of growth which has resulted in its turnover increasing from £40m to £100m within five years. The achievement comes following record-breaking months in May and June.

In those five years, the company has made significant investments in talent, technology and its facilities; having seen its team grow from 80 to 220, the development of a number of bespoke IT programmes and a move to larger premises.

Officially opened in 2016, the ambitious firm moved to new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham. The firm recently took on 197,425 sq ft warehouse in Manvers.

Mark Lythe, joint managing director (Operations and Finance) said: "Our team have been going above and beyond to achieve a target which was set in 2015 when our turnover was £40m. Over the past five years, they have truly been our greatest asset and we look forward to working towards our £200m turnover target by 2025. 

"In more recent times, the team have shown true tenacity and adaptability in helping us navigate the challenges Covid-19 has presented. We remain very confident in the future of Pricecheck and will continue to invest in our growth plans."

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Pricecheck announced a five-year lease of the former Maplin headquarters to increase its warehouse capacity as well as investing in a state-of-the-art warehouse management system in order to operate more efficiently across two sites.

Driving growth is the development of its new B2B eCommerce site. Since launching in May, the website has generated back-to-back record-breaking months, with online sales for May and June growing 580% compared to the same period last year.

Debbie Harrison, joint managing director (Trading) said: "As we strive to become the first-choice distribution partner for brand owners and customers, we've worked hard to diversify our product offering. Since 2015, we have added grocery, alcohol, petcare, and vaping to our traditional health and beauty range.

"Launching our new look website to improve customer convenience was the first of many exciting projects as we look to push forward again and deliver on our next five-year plan."

Pricecheck is an international distributor of fast-moving consumer goods, and is trusted by the world's biggest brands, offering more than 6,000 branded products to customers in the UK and to more than 80 countries globally.

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News: Pricecheck take on more warehouse space in Rotherham

Pricecheck has recently doubled its warehouse capacity after leasing an additional site to cope with demand.

Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock.

The deal, brokered by joint letting agents, Knight Frank and CBRE, sees Pricecheck take a lease of the 197,425 sq ft former Maplin building on Brookfields Park in Manvers.

The additional space means Pricecheck now occupies 378,000 sq ft across two sites which includes offices and mezzanine storage, giving the capacity for 32,000 pallets.

The expansion will see some existing employees relocate as the new site gets up and running and over time will create more than 100 new jobs.

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Mark Lythe, joint managing director (operations & finance) said: “We have ambitious growth targets and will continue to invest in all areas of the business to ensure we remain on track to achieve those.

“The expansion of our warehouse capacity is in line with our strategic plans for the next five years as we target a turnover of £200m by 2025. Despite the challenges of Coronavirus, we remain very confident about the long-term prospects for our business.”

Officially opened in 2016, the ambitious firm moved to new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham where an annual turnover of £73m was reported for the 2017-18 financial year – representing an increase of £18.1m on the previous year.

For Maplin, however, the Manvers-based electronics retailer saw a slowdown in sales and declining profits and the firm plunged into administration in February 2018.

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News: Council's commercial units complete

The construction of two new industrial units for Rotherham Council at the Beighton Link site has been completed two months ahead of schedule.

Extending to 49,159 sq ft across two buildings, the property has been developed to meet a growing need for well-located high quality business space in Rotherham and is now available for businesses to rent via agents Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP).

Rothbiz reported in November that the authority had concluded the property deal as a revenue generating project with developer J F Finnegan building out the units utilising cash from the Sheffield city region JESSICA fund. The authority set aside £990,000 from its own £5m Growth Fund.

Located on a popular business park on Chesterfield Road in Rotherham, in a prime location on the border of Sheffield, just off the A57 and within minutes of the M1 and M18, the units offer manufacturing, distribution or warehousing businesses an opportunity join one of the fastest growing economies in the North of England.

Since opening in 2009, the Beighton Link Business Park has grown to include international coffee company Starbucks and bakery chain Greggs.

Rotherham's Cabinet Member for Jobs and Local Economy, Cllr. Denise Lelliott, said: "The Council aims to give businesses the confidence to invest in the borough and, by providing high-quality commercial property like these units, we can continue to support Rotherham’s position as one of the fastest growing economies in the region.

"The completed units will be let to inward investors or expanding local companies, which will support business growth in the borough and provide high-value lasting employment for residents."

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Measuring at 20,135 sq ft and 29,024 sq ft respectively, both units were constructed by J F Finnegan. Each property has two ground level loading doors, an eaves height of 8.0m, a pitched roof with 10% roof lights, disabled WC and shower facilities, and concrete yard loading areas.

Roger Haworth, Partner at Commercial Property Partners, said: "The location on the popular Beighton Business Park presents a strong opportunity to become part of a highly successfully business community and occupy a high-quality, spacious facility. The units will also benefit from excellent transport links, being based just two miles from J31 of the M1, thus in close proximity to a number of major cities in the Yorkshire and East Midlands region.

"We encourage anyone who is interested in these units and would like some further information to get in touch with our team."

J F Finnegan has been busy in Rotherham, recently starting work on a new £22m research facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). The firm's director, Nick Gillott, said: "We have always had a strong presence in South Yorkshire, this is the final phase at Beighton Link and are proud to be playing our part in what is a great example of the public and private sectors working in partnership."

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News: Rotherham Council completes Beighton Link deal

Rotherham Council has concluded a multimillion pound deal for two speculative units, totalling 49,159 sq ft, on Beighton Business Park in the south of the borough.

In 2017 the authority outlined plans to kickstart the stalled commercial development in order to support inward investment and job creation, and at the same time generate income for the authority.

Located on the popular business park on Chesterfield Road in Rotherham, the two units have been purchased by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council from JF Finnegan, in order to lease to businesses seeking new industrial units in a prime location.

Measuring at 20,135 sq ft and 29,024 sq ft respectively, both units are currently under construction by J F Finnegan and are due for completion in Spring 2020.

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Leading property consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has advised on the sale.

Roger Haworth, partner at Commercial Property Partners, said: "We are delighted to have advised on this deal and look forward to securing occupiers for both the units.  The location on the popular Beighton Business Park presents a strong opportunity to become part of a highly successfully business community and occupy a high-quality, spacious facility.

"The units will also benefit from excellent transport links, being based just two miles from J31 of the M1, thus in close proximity to a number of major cities in the Yorkshire and East Midlands region.

"We'd encourage anyone who is interested in these units and would like some further information to get in touch with our team."

Earlier phases are home to the likes of Pricecheck and Ideal Envelopes. Developers have recently completed outlets for Starbucks and Greggs.

The project sees developer J F Finnegan building out the units utilising cash from the Sheffield city region JESSICA fund. The authority set aside £990,000 from its own £5m Growth Fund.

Nick Gillott, director at J F Finnegan, said: "We have always had a strong presence in South Yorkshire, this is the final phase at Beighton Link and are proud to be playing our part in what is a great example of the public and private sectors working in partnership.

Tim O'Connell, Head of Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RIDO), added: "The Council aims to give businesses the confidence to invest in the borough and, by providing high-quality commercial property like these units, we can continue to support Rotherham's position as one of the fastest growing economies in the region.

"The completed units will be let to inward investors or expanding local companies, which will support business growth in the borough and provide high-value lasting employment for residents."

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News: New additions planned for business park

Workers at a Rotherham business park will be able to fuel up at a new petrol station and a Greggs outlet which are under development.

Rothbiz has reported in previous years on Essex-based Burney Estates, a commercial property developers with a nationwide portfolio of properties, and its plans for a development at Swallownest, servicing the Beighton Link business park and passing trade.

Adjacent to the Elmwood Farm pub and large Pricecheck headquarters, the previously undeveloped plot is adjacent to the roundabout where Chesterfield Road and the A57 meet.

A new Starbucks drive-thru on the site has recently opened and a new commercial retail unit has been constructed, replacing earlier plans for a Burger King.

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The occupier for the retail unit looks set to be taken by bakery chain, Greggs.

The leading bakery food-on-the-go retailer in the UK has almost 2,000 retail outlets throughout the country. It has been targeting new locations in travel and workplace catchments.

Plans have also been submitted for the remainder of the plot between the Starbucks and the railway line where applicants, UK Property Options Ltd and J F Finnegan Limited, want to create a new petrol filling station.

Plans, drawn up by Chapman Lily Planning Ltd, show details for a forecourt, a small associated retail unit, landscaping, associated car parking and access. Developers say that the A57 has 24,000 vehicles per day.

The 24 hour operation could create ten new full time equivalent (FTE) jobs.

At the regenerated colliery site Rotherham Council is working in partnership with JF Finnegan to build two business units, expected to total 49,000 sq ft.

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News: Pricecheck powers into Profit Track 100

International wholesaler and distributor Pricecheck has been listed in a league table of 100 private companies with the fastest growing profits.

Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock. In 2016, the ambitious firm moved to new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham.

The annual Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100 ranks Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing profits over the past three years. Pricecheck, which was founded in 1978, makes its second entry in the Profit Track 100 list and is ranked 90th.

Earlier this year Pricecheck was named in the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 which honours companies with the fastest growing international sales.

Pricecheck has a diverse network of UK customers and exports to 80 countries. It has a turnover in excess of £80m and achieved annual profit growth over three years of 58%.

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The business recently secured partnerships with world-leading brands including Johnson & Johnson, Coty, and Lindt. The company has also developed its skincare, fine fragrance and alcohol offering to capitalise on expanding markets both internationally and in the UK.

Financial targets have been set at reaching a £100m turnover by 2020 and £200m by 2025.

Mark Lythe, joint managing director at Pricecheck, said: "Pricecheck is achieving growth that’s both structured and consistent. We're continually pushing boundaries and business opportunities.

"We're committed to investing in the very best people, training, development and technology. This combination has led to excellent, ongoing growth across the business.

"We've been building and maintaining close relationships with suppliers, customers, partners and allies for 41 years. To see Pricecheck continually recognised in the FastTrack awards is a tremendous credit to our hard-working and ambitious team."

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News: Pricecheck again in International Track 200

Pricecheck has again made it in the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 - the lists that ranks Britain's mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales over the last two years.

Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock.

This is the sixth time in nine years the fast-growing company has been recognised. It won the prestigious Queen's Award for International Trade 2015.

Pricecheck, which ranked at 130 in the list, now operates in more than 80 countries worldwide.

The second generation family owned business was established in 1978 by the parents of Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison (pictured), who now run the company as joint managing directors. Officially opened in 2016, the ambitious firm moved to new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham where an annual turnover of £73m was reported for the 2017-18 financial year – representing an increase of £18.1m on the previous year.

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Mark Lythe, joint managing director at Pricecheck, said: "Pricecheck has bold growth plans which will see further expansion across existing and new territories in the next six years.

"We've consistently featured in the Sunday Times International Track 200 and this is the sixth time in nine years that Pricecheck's growth has been recognised.

"In 2011, when we first appeared, our exports had grown from £2.2m to £5.3m. Now they stand at £32.3m. It's a fantastic accolade and always encouraging to see our growth recognised externally."

Rothbiz reported last month that the firm is targeting £200m turnover by 2025, with 50% of revenue coming from exports.

Also on the International Track 200 for 2019 are Cooper & Turner, one of Europe's leading manufacturers of bolts, nuts and washers used in the energy, rail, construction and other engineering sectors. It has facilities at its Templeborough Works in Sheffield and at Canklow in Rotherham, where the focus is on the wind energy sector. International sales reached an annualised £46.2m last year.

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News: Pricecheck accelerating export growth

Having surpassed £70m in sales in its 40th anniversary year, award-winning firm, Pricecheck Toiletries, is targeting £200m turnover by 2025, with 50% of revenue coming from exports.

Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock.

The second generation family owned business was established in 1978 by the parents of Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison, who now run the company as joint managing directors. Officially opened in 2016, the ambitious firm moved to new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham where an annual turnover of £73m was reported for the 2017-18 financial year – representing an increase of £18.1m on the previous year.

In early 2017, the brother and sister team turned to Growth 365, the membership service offered by professional services giant, Grant Thornton for ambitious mid-sized business leaders, to help them achieve their goal of achieving a £200m turnover by 2025. With £32.4m of 2018's total sales coming from exports, up 45% from the previous year, the aim is to reach 50% by 2025.

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Growth 365 connects Mark and Debbie with Grant Thornton's international network of experienced business advisers, technical specialists and analysts. The service also links the pair to a community of like-minded business leaders – an invaluable forum for sharing experiences, sounding out ideas and making new connections.

Mark Lythe, joint managing director at Pricecheck, said: "Our relationship with Grant Thornton and Growth 365 is building our confidence as we move into international markets. We've got access to fantastic resources and networks which we're using to expand growth worldwide."

Over the past year, the Growth 365 business advisers have challenged Pricecheck to take a fresh look at the business' position in the market. As a result, Mark and Debbie have developed a new and stronger identity for the business to boost its image on the international stage.

Growth 365 has also provided expert country market analysis so the pair have the right insight to target potential suppliers and customers in new markets more efficiently. Insight is also being provided into the competitor landscape, to enable Pricecheck to pinpoint the best opportunities in new product categories more accurately.

Staff numbers have grown from 80 to 150 in just two years and the company also expanded its storage capacity to 170,000 sq ft.

Richelle Schuster, who manages the Growth 365 service at Grant Thornton, said: "Pricecheck's growth means the business is taking on an increasingly important profile within the local community. People are proud of what Pricecheck has achieved as an international exporter."

Pricecheck website
Growth 365 website

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News: Rotherham Starbucks plans brewing

Plans for new units at a business park in Rotherham have been updated with a proposed Burger King outlet removed but the Starbucks unit remaining.

Rothbiz reported last year that Essex-based Burney Estates, commercial property developers with a nationwide portfolio of properties, was hoping to secure planning permission for a development at Swallownest, servicing the Beighton Link business park and passing trade.

Adjacent to the Elmwood Farm pub and large Pricecheck headquarters, the plans show updated proposals for on an undeveloped plot adjacent to the roundabout where Chesterfield Road and the A57 meet.

The proposal has a 1,800 sq ft Starbucks drive-thru situated to the north of the site. It is set to have a modern appearance with a glazed frontage positioned against timber cladding with grey cladding panels. A 1,200 sq ft A1 unit is planned to the south of the proposed development, replacing the proposed Burger King. Access is set to be from Chesterfield Road.

The plans, drawn up by Dovetail Architects, sate: "The development of Starbucks is a positive addition as it will provide jobs to the local community. Starbucks drive thru usually has an employment intake of 25 staffs with 15 Full time and ten part-time employees.

"Generally A1 units tend to employ five staff on both full time and part time basis. This brings additional employment to the local area and helps boost the local economy."

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As the site is out of town, a sequential test is included in the plans in line with "town centre first" national and local planning policies. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

The test concludes that there no sequentially preferable sites, discounting sites at Parkgate, Masbrough, and the town centre which are considered unsuitable for reasons of location, size of premises of site or layout of the premises.

The plans add: "The proposal simply provides a stopping off place before car drivers reach their destinations and have no reason to access the town centre. This will not interfere in any material way with the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre."

With over 28,000 stores worldwide Seattle-based Starbucks plan to open 1,000 franchise stores in the UK over the next five to seven years, of varying asset types, partnering with a maximum of 25 franchisees.

Starbucks' first UK franchised business partner, 23.5 Degrees is hoping to operate the Beighton Link outlet. 23.5 Degrees, opened its first store in February 2013 and now have 50 stores across the UK with another 27 in the pipeline over the next year.

23.5 Degrees website
Starbucks website

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News: Council's Beighton Link deal

Rotherham Council is progressing plans to kickstart a stalled commercial development in order to support inward investment and job creation, and at the same time generate income for the authority.

Rothbiz reported last year that the Council was proposing to acquire remaining land at the Beighton Link site where earlier phases are home to the likes of Pricecheck and Ideal Envelopes.

It would mean that developer JF Finnegan would build out the units utilising cash from the Sheffield city region JESSICA fund. The authority set aside £990,000 from its own £5m Growth Fund and wanted to establish a "rent guarantee fund" that ensured it would receive rent for the property even if it was not let to a tenant.

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The JESSICA fund supports job-creating commercial property schemes through grants and loans.

A recent update states: "It became apparent during discussions with the JESSICA Fund Manager that the JESSICA funding could only be provided as a capital loan to fund development costs. The Council required the funding to provide potential revenue in the form of rental income.

"A structure to allow the funding to be received as a capital loan has been developed as a solution. It is proposed that JF Finnegan create a rent guarantee fund through payment into an ESCROW account and the Council pay a higher purchase price. The higher purchase price will include both the property and a rent guarantee fund."

Solicitors have told the Council that the recommended alternative structure is lawful.

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The £5.2m scheme would involve two business units at Beighton Link, expected to total 49,000 sq ft.

Rotherham Council is expected to provide £4.7m and could receive an estimated £283,000 a year from renting the units, in addition to £66,000 from its share of business rates. Borrowing money from the Government's Public Works Loan Board would lead to estimated yearly costs of £203,440. The Council will also have to pay interest and administration fees on the JESSICA loan of £11,500 a year.

The figures point to the authority putting £134,060 a year forward as savings. Less that the annual saving of £269,500 factored in to the Council's budget plans from 2019/20.

Rotherham Council previously worked with landowner and developer Harworth Group to unlock a £2.7m loan from the JESSICA Fund, which led to the first R-evolution scheme on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), a 117,000 sq ft speculative industrial development, the success of which has lead to further phases.

The property at the AMP generated a net annual surplus of over £50,000 after taking account of all costs to the Council of owning the unit including capital financing charges.

JF Finnegan website

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News: Pricecheck passes £70m turnover mark

Award-winning firm, Pricecheck Toiletries, has confirmed that it has seen annual turnover break the £70m mark for the first time as it celebrates 40 years in business.

Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock.

For the financial year 2017-18, Pricecheck reported annual turnover of £73m – representing an increase of £18.1m on the previous year. April 2018 was also the busiest month on record, with turnover exceeding £8.1m.

The second generation family owned business was established in 1978 by the parents of Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison, who now run the company as joint managing directors.

Officially opened in 2016, the ambitious firm moved to new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham. The business now boasts a total of 170,000 sq ft and the extra space has enabled Pricecheck to increase stock levels of new categories, including alcohol.

The expansion has enabled significant growth in export markets. Exports accounted for £32.4m of turnover, up 45% on the previous year. Pricecheck currently export to over 75 countries, and have a network of 500 suppliers world-wide.

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Mark Lythe, joint managing director at Pricecheck Toiletries (pictured, third from right), said: "Over the last two years we have recorded revenue growth of 26% and 33%. This is a tremendous achievement for our team, and we are now aiming for £200m turnover by 2025."

The team have shared in their continued success by providing over £40,000 worth of stock and monetary donations to local and national charities in 2017-18. This year the Pricecheck team are sponsoring St Luke's Night Strider walking challenge in October. As well as donating supplies and funds toward the event, employees will take part in the 10k or half marathon and volunteer on the night. St Luke’s Hospice provide free palliative care, and drive continual improvements for everyone effected by terminal illness.

Since 2015, Pricecheck has doubled its workforce and set up a successful student recruitment programme, this year offering seven placements and eight graduate positions.

Lucy Goddard, human resources manager at Pricecheck, (pictured, fourth from right), said: "We work closely with regional universities and this year has seen an unprecedented number of students showing an interest in Pricecheck. We are looking forward to welcoming our new placement and graduate students this summer."

Pricecheck Toiletries website

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News: Pricecheck adds alcohol to product line

Having built up a £70m turnover business based on supplying toiletries, Pricecheck now has the ability to buy, store and distribute alcohol in the UK and EU.

Based at Beighton Link in Rotherham, Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock.

The company acquired the necessary licensing to purchase and distribute alcohol in September 2017. The ability to move into the alcohol market was boosted by exceptional growth in recent years and a commitment to invest in new categories, in order to offer a one-stop shop for customers.

In autumn 2017, as part of Pricecheck's commitment to expansion, work began on a new mezzanine floor at their purpose built warehouse and head office. This investment has enabled increased efficiencies when processing orders in and out of the warehouse.

The company also expanded into additional satellite warehouse facilities in Sheffield which added a further 40,000 sq ft of storage capacity. The business now boasts a total of 170,000 sq ft and the extra space has enabled Pricecheck to increase stock levels of new categories, including alcohol.

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Chris Roberts, business development director at Pricecheck, said: "This is a strategic move for the business, we have traditionally been known for supplying branded toiletries and other household consumer goods, however, we want to ensure we offer a broad range of brands and product categories.

"We successfully introduced branded food and drink in 2016, and alcohol is a natural development of these categories. With our additional warehouse space we can now offer an even wider range of products and brands."

Pricecheck already stocks lines such as VK, Stella Artois and Guinness, with plans to supply further brands in the coming months.

The second generation family owned business was established in 1978 by the parents of Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison, who now run the company as joint managing directors.

The award-winning firm, recently celebrated 40 years in business. It has grown by 33% in the last year to record a £73m turnover and aims to reach £200m by 2025.

Pricecheck website

Images: Pricecheck

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News: Pricecheck celebrates four decades of growth

Award-winning firm, Pricecheck Toiletries, is celebrating 40 years in business this month and it looks set to pass the £70m annual turnover mark this year.

Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock.

The second generation family owned business was established in 1978 by the parents of Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison, who now run the company as joint managing directors.

Officially opened in 2016, the new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham matched the firm's ambitious future growth plans, with the 115,000 sq ft warehouse able to accommodate 40% more than previously achievable and offices that tripled in size.

Pricecheck recently added a new mezzanine level whilst opening a second warehouse facility in Attercliffe, Sheffield. The company now boasts over 15,000 pallet spaces across the two sites.

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The business began as a local retail store in Sheffield, however, the Lythe family soon expanded into international health & beauty distribution.

In recent years the company has moved into the distribution of fragrances, household, medical, food & drink, alcohol, confectionery, and children's products.

Alongside the move into new product categories the company has worked to develop its export business which now accounts for almost half of its £73m turnover.

Doug Lythe, founder of Pricecheck, said: "Forty years ago I couldn't imagine we would have been responsible for starting such a successful international business, I don't think anyone would have predicted it.

"The business has gone from strength to strength since Mark and Debbie took over in 2007. I offer my heartfelt thanks to all the staff for their loyalty and commitment to our customers and suppliers over the past four decades.

"I look forward to celebrating in our unique Pricecheck style before they start work on the next forty years!"

Joint MDs Mark and Debbie have ambitious growth plans underway for the next decade, the duo are aiming to more than double turnover to £200m by 2025. This will mean a significant investment in people, and the pair aim to take on a further 60 staff over the next two years.

Mark Lythe, joing managing director at Pricecheck, said: "Debbie and I have lived and breathed Pricecheck all our working lives, knowing we are growing our family business year on year is a great source of pride for us both. We are working hard to employ the right people to develop the business further over the next few years."

To commemorate this momentous year, and to thank the 140 staff for their hard work and dedication, the company announced it would be throwing a special anniversary party for employees and increasing their annual holiday entitlement.

Pricecheck website

Images: Pricecheck

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News: Rotherham Council set to approve budget

Rotherham Council is set to approve its latest budget at a full council meeting this week as it looks to make £15.1m of budget savings in the next financial year.

The focus has been on identifying "efficiency savings" and also on maximising income generation opportunities in order to minimise the impact on front line services to the public.

A report to the council states: "Over the last seven years from 2011/12 to 2017/18, the Council has had to make ongoing savings of £162m, mainly as a result of the financial reductions imposed on local government as part of the Government's austerity programme."

Budgets have been stretched further by the Governance improvements required and implemented since the Jay and Casey reports of 2014 and 2015 and with the increasing demand on social care services.

The authority admits that it is not possible to commit to future delivery of the full range of services currently provided.

The Council does say that it will remain a key lever for growth and investment in Rotherham and the wider Sheffield City Region and one key focus is to "drive inclusive growth and ensure Rotherham's residents are connected to local good quality job opportunities."

The current proposed revenue budget for 2018/19 is £216.876m and the Capital Programme includes £425m of capital investment over the five years 2017/18 to 2021/22. If approved, Council Tax will increase by 5.99%.

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The capital investment strategy is targeting critical infrastructure and housing, and there is a focus on strategic development projects / sites including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District; widening the network of Business Incubation Centres and driving the pace of the Town centre masterplan with the Forge Island development.

Along with adopting a more commercial, outward facing approach, the hope is that the investment will boost income to the Council through the New Homes Bonus, Council Tax income and retained Business Rates.

Income generation is expected from projects such as the £4.7m Beighton Link investment and the new £4.7m camping and caravan park at Rother Valley Country Park.

The regeneration team is tasked with working to attract investment and new business, while ensuring that the borough's existing businesses receive the support they need to grow and make further investment. This is likely to focus on integrated transport, housing, vocational skills and good quality green spaces and cultural offer.

As previously reported by Rothbiz, the Rotherham Youth Enterprise service is under threat with budget proposals set to cut the team down to two staff.

The capital strategy includes projects such as the £4.6m revamp of College Road Roundabout where the Council is set to provide match funding of £1.390m. £1.312m has also been set aside for much-need repairs to Crinoline Bridge.

Other projects include the £42m planned to widen the Parkway, the £9.8m Waverley Link Road, £16m to invest in the town centre, and a £5m Growth Fund to support businesses.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "It is an incredibly challenging time for local government across the piece. Some of the numbers we have seen nationally over the last few weeks bear witness to the challenge that all councils are facing at this time of austerity and at a time of growing demand for both adults and children's social care.

"All those factors come together to place pressure on authorities like ours so we are prioritising protecting both adults and children's social care in this budget. That does mean that there is an impact then on other non-social care budgets.

"We are also trying to move towards more revenue generating activities, particularly around regen and environment, and lots and lots of activity is taking place, particularly in finance, around how else we can best finance that budget in order to protect frontline services."

Images: RMBC

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