Tag: Arthur Price

Christmas Starts Early For Voluntary Groups After We Love Lichfield Awards

Christmas has started earlier for local voluntary groups thanks to We Love Lichfield. At its annual Christmas giveaway, We Love Lichfield, part of the Community Foundation, awarded funding to local good causes taking its 2025 total to £40,000 across 40 voluntary groups. We Love Lichfield also reached its own milestone during the event when it gave its 500th award since it started a decade ago.

Our chair Simon and CEO James are advisors to We Love Lichfield and at The George Hotel last Friday, community groups from across the district gathered to receive their awards. Children from Lichfield Cathedral School’s Junior choir sang Christmas carols to get everyone in the festive mood before multiple businesses donated to We Love Lichfield including Arthur Price and Richard Winterton. The children from Lichfield Cathedral School also made a donation of £445 raised during the term by organising raffles and other fund-raisers. And Lichfield Live/The Lichfield & Burntwood Independent received the We Love Lichfield 2025 Community Champion Award for their work throughout the community during the last year. Finally, Sebbie Hall also spoke with his mum Ashleigh about the importance of kindness especially at this time of year.

(PIC) Simon presenting the awards

Since it started over a decade ago, We Love Lichfield has given away £462,000 in 500 awards to 237 recipients.

We Love Lichfield is one of the Community Foundation’s place based funds. It awards funding to a wide range of projects operating across the district of Lichfield. The fund considers applications from local groups in need twice a year. It raises money and then the returns are given away. Companies and individuals make up the bulk of the donors to the fund, either through direct donations, or by fundraising.

All the money raised is invested through an endowment fund in line with charity commission guidelines. The financial return from the fund is then distributed as small grants across the area. The beauty of this model is that it will provide a source of sustainable funding that can be used for grants long in to the future. It’s almost like a pension scheme set up to support community and voluntary groups across Lichfield. Individuals and businesses can raise money for We Love Lichfield. They can fund raise or they can donate via Enthuse here: https://cfss.enthuse.com/welovelichfield

Reporting on 2025 We Love Lichfield patron Simon Price said, “It’s been a tough year for many so we are delighted to continue to make a difference across the district. We’d also like to thank the businesses and organisations who support us. This includes Richard Winterton Auctioneers, David Lloyd Lichfield, Michael’s Menswear, Hutchings Civil Engineering, Lichfield District Council, Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services, Robert Yardley Photography Straightforward Agency, Townhouse Communications, Shire House and Access Bookings, and Katie Clayton Marketing. Simon also spoke about those businesses who have really embraced fund-raising including Laura and Rich Evans from Cathedral Hearing this year climbed Snowdon to raise funds for We Love Lichfield.”

The We Love Lichfield Community Champion 2025 was awarded to Lichfield Live and The Lichfield & Burntwood Independent for their tireless hours communicating news and events across the District, all on a voluntary basis.

Joanne Grange from Lichfield Community Media, publishers of Lichfield Live and The Lichfield & Burntwood Independent received the award and said “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the team. We are a group of volunteers who believe it’s important to keep people across the district informed. Started 20 years ago by Ross Hawkes, the Lichfield Blog as it was called back then, is now the amazing Lichfield Live site. And our newspaper, The Lichfield & Burntwood Independent, is going from strength to strength with plans to increase circulation next year. We are passionate about news – good and bad – and about supporting local organisations and we regularly showcase the amazing work We Love Lichfield does. It’s heart warming to be recognised by them and it gives us a boost to continue with the work we do.”

(PIC) Simon with Community Champion 2025 Jo Grange from Lichfield Community Media

Simon Price said, “We Love Lichfield wouldn’t exist if it didn’t have some amazing supporters. I’d like to thank my fellow panel advisors who work in their own time throughout the year. To the amazing businesses who support including The George Hotel for allowing us to use their hotel twice a year for our grant giveaways. Finally thanks to Lichfield District Council for their support and for entrusting We Love Lichfield in assisting them in their grant and Community Lottery funds. To have the council as a partner gives us a boost to strive even harder to make a difference across our district.”

Happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us…we ran out of candles at 123 years old

We have reached the amazing milestone of 123 years in business. On 3rd October 1902 Arthur Price started his own cutlery firm in Aston, Birmingham using a small gas engine to cast nickel silver ingots because he has no electricity. New CEO James Price, the fifth generation of the Price family to take the helm, and his father Simon, who recently moved to the position as Chairman, look back through the companies archives. They find many changes in cutlery, manufacturing and society and conclude that adapting to change is the biggest reason the company has enjoyed such longevity.

The original set of minute books show the company had prospered and was working nationwide by the time it was awarded the contract to supply the Titanic. In a crowded marketplace innovation was key to business development – in the 1930s when Arthur’s sons Arthur Jnr and Frederick took over the business the company was using chromium plate, the forerunner to stainless steel.

Mr Arthur Price circa 1905

After the second world war, many manufacturers who had previously been driven by what they could produce, became more consumer-focused and the company grew into a world-wide exporter with the key selling point being the Britishness of the brand. Then in 1948 saw John Price, Frederick’s son join the business after serving in the army.

After opening a factory in Sheffield in the 1950s, the company repositioned itself as the maker of the finest cutlery supplying top hotels, cruise ships and airlines. Indeed, in 1976 it exclusively produced cutlery for the supersonic aeroplane Concorde.
In 1977 it was granted a Royal Warrant by Her the late Queen Elizabeth II and also received another from HRH The Price of Wales, now King Charles III, in 1988.

As times and tastes have changed over the years the company adapted again. It still adorns the tables at the finest restaurants and hotels, indeed this is the fastest growing division of the company at the moment. But it has also expanded its range to include everyday items which has led to significant expansion across the globe.

The Birmingham and Sheffield factories still produce the finest cutlery and holloware while the Lichfield headquarters is the centre for sales, distribution and administration. The Arthur Price Factory Shop in Lichfield is the location of the UK’s biggest cutlery shop.
James Price said, “It’s humbling and fascinating to look back through our archives. I wish we had more. Knowing where you come helps you understand where you need to go. One day, I hope to show everything to my two young sons, George and Alfred and tell them all the tales from the Arthur Price table.”

Simon said, “There’s a line in the Jackson 5 song, “it’s easy as 123”. I think we can safely say it hasn’t always been easy, but I am very proud to play my little part in our company’s history. We’ve been through world wars, pandemics and huge industrial and societal change. To survive and sometimes thrive across 123 years, I think David Bowie’s song “Changes” is more appropriate.”

James and Simon Price in 2025

5th generation of the Price family takes the helm

We are delighted to announce that during our 123rd year, we start a new chapter. James Price, the fifth generation of the Price family, steps into the role of CEO. This leadership transition marks another milestone in the company’s long history, with James succeeding his father, Simon, who will take on the position of Chairman.

James joined Arthur Price in 2012 after completing his university studies and gaining invaluable experience at a direct marketing agency. Beginning his Arthur Price apprenticeship aged 23, James worked across all departments, and more recently managed the Sheffield factory and led the hotel, catering, and hospitality sales division.

Reflecting on his new role, James Price said, “For as long as I can remember Arthur Price has been my passion. I remember as a small child going into work with my dad, also seeing my grandfather in his office.  Working in a family business isn’t a job, it’s a way of life and I look forward to stepping into these special shoes.

“My father has transformed the business from being mostly known for luxury cutlery to a tableware brand with growing sales both in the UK and abroad.

“His ability to navigate challenges like recessions and a pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring. As I step into this role, I will always welcome his wisdom and guidance.

“We also have an  incredible team and together, I aim to uphold our legacy and contribute to the continued success of this iconic British brand.”

 

 

Simon and James Price with the original company minute book from 1902

 

 

Simon Price, who started his Arthur Price journey in 1982 said, “My father instilled in me the importance of experiencing every facet of the company, from working in the warehouse to selling on the road. James has undertaken the same journey and has excelled, demonstrating now he is more than ready to take the baton.

“As Chairman, I will gradually step back from daily operations and focus on planning, ensuring Arthur Price remains at the forefront of British cutlery across the globe. I also wish to do more voluntary work. I’ve been fortunate to be able to support the charitable sector and look forward to contributing even more.

“The role is called CEO but I think a more appropriate title is Guardian, someone entrusted with safeguarding the Arthur Price name and brand for future generations.  I know the future of the company couldn’t be in safer hands.”

Arthur Price started in Aston, Birmingham in 1902 using a small gas engine to cast nickel silver ingots because the site had no electricity. After ten years the company had prospered and one of its first big contracts was supplying the Titanic. Innovation was key to business development – Arthur Price was the first to use chromium plate, the forerunner to stainless steel. British quality was a key selling point and after the second world war the company grew into a world-wide exporter.

After opening a factory in Sheffield in the 1950s, it repositioned itself as the maker of the finest cutlery supplying top hotels, cruise ships and airlines. Over the years the company has received two Royal Warrants and continued to adorn the top tables. More recently it has expanded its range to include everyday items which has led to significant expansion across the globe.

The Birmingham and Sheffield factories still produce the finest cutlery and holloware while the Lichfield headquarters is the centre for sales, distribution and administration. The Arthur Price Factory Shop in Lichfield is the location of the UK’s biggest cutlery shop.

Fifth Generation of Family-Owned Cutlery Firm Takes The Helm

We are delighted to announce that during our 123rd year, we start a new chapter. James Price, the fifth generation of the Price family, steps into the role of CEO. This leadership transition marks another milestone in the company’s long history, with James succeeding his father, Simon, who will take on the position of Chairman.

James joined Arthur Price in 2012 after completing his university studies and gaining invaluable experience at a direct marketing agency. Beginning his Arthur Price apprenticeship aged 23, James worked across all departments, and more recently managed the Sheffield factory and led the hotel, catering, and hospitality sales division.

Reflecting on his new role, James Price said, “For as long as I can remember Arthur Price has been my passion. I remember as a small child going into work with my dad, also seeing my grandfather in his office.  Working in a family business isn’t a job, it’s a way of life and I look forward to stepping into these special shoes.

“My father has transformed the business from being mostly known for luxury cutlery to a tableware brand with growing sales both in the UK and abroad.

“His ability to navigate challenges like recessions and a pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring. As I step into this role, I will always welcome his wisdom and guidance.

“We also have an  incredible team and together, I aim to uphold our legacy and contribute to the continued success of this iconic British brand.”

 

 

Simon and James Price with the original company minute book from 1902

 

 

Simon Price, who started his Arthur Price journey in 1982 said, “My father instilled in me the importance of experiencing every facet of the company, from working in the warehouse to selling on the road. James has undertaken the same journey and has excelled, demonstrating now he is more than ready to take the baton.

“As Chairman, I will gradually step back from daily operations and focus on planning, ensuring Arthur Price remains at the forefront of British cutlery across the globe. I also wish to do more voluntary work. I’ve been fortunate to be able to support the charitable sector and look forward to contributing even more.

“The role is called CEO but I think a more appropriate title is Guardian, someone entrusted with safeguarding the Arthur Price name and brand for future generations.  I know the future of the company couldn’t be in safer hands.”

Arthur Price started in Aston, Birmingham in 1902 using a small gas engine to cast nickel silver ingots because the site had no electricity. After ten years the company had prospered and one of its first big contracts was supplying the Titanic. Innovation was key to business development – Arthur Price was the first to use chromium plate, the forerunner to stainless steel. British quality was a key selling point and after the second world war the company grew into a world-wide exporter.

After opening a factory in Sheffield in the 1950s, it repositioned itself as the maker of the finest cutlery supplying top hotels, cruise ships and airlines. Over the years the company has received two Royal Warrants and continued to adorn the top tables. More recently it has expanded its range to include everyday items which has led to significant expansion across the globe.

The Birmingham and Sheffield factories still produce the finest cutlery and holloware while the Lichfield headquarters is the centre for sales, distribution and administration. The Arthur Price Factory Shop in Lichfield is the location of the UK’s biggest cutlery shop.

Our CEO Wins Community Award

Simon Price, our CEO has been named the Lichfield St Chad Rotary Community Champion 2025. He was awarded the honour for his patronage of the We Love Lichfield fund and helping to organise the Arthur Price of England Speaking Competition, in association with Lichfield St Chad Rotary, for 30 years..

Elaine Hutchings, the new President of Lichfield St Chad Rotary said, “Simon Price is a true community champion. He started We Love Lichfield from virtually nothing and now it plays a vital role in the area’s voluntary sector. And his long-standing support for the speaking competition is cherished by many including teachers, pupils and parents.

“His enthusiasm for all things Lichfield and the district is boundless. I wish we could bottle it.”

Simon Price said, “I am honoured to be recognised and like to thank everyone involved. I can’t tell you how much I love living and working in this wonderful place. I am lucky to call it home.”

 

Simon is pictured receiving his award from Past President Andrew Sims and Current Present Elaine Hutchings at The George Hotel, Lichfield

Behind The Scenes At Arthur Price

Have you ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at Arthur Price? What happens before our silverware adorns your dinner table? And what gives it that lasting power that means it can be passed down through the generations? Read on for an exclusive insight into how it all comes together!

For over a century, Arthur Price cutlery has been a hallmark of beautiful silverware and manufacturing excellence, made right here in the UK. Usually in our blog, we take you on a culinary journey, from the latest delicious recipes to top table etiquette tips.

But today, we’re inviting you to join us on a different journey. Here’s your exclusive visit to the Arthur Price factory in Sheffield. Get a unique insight into the production process and see how we achieve the very highest standards of quality.


Silver service

We manage our products through the full life cycle ­– from cooking up stunning designs to seeing them through to final production.

Here, we’re at the polishing stage. As you can see, our latest batch of stainless-steel spoons have been fixed into a jig with the aid of clamps. The operator has prepared these ready for them to be multi-polished.

Teamwork

Each member of the team on the factory floor plays a key role in ensuring the highest quality from our machinery.

On the left, the operator can be seen manually inserting the jig into the multi-polishing machine for the spoon bowls to be polished. On the right, the machine is in action, thoroughly polishing the bowls of the spoons to ensure they give off our signature shine!

Stamp of approval

Here, the operator is backmarking the reverse side of a fork with our branding – after all, our name is synonymous with the highest quality tableware!

Nothing but perfection

Creating timeless style has been our passion since our beginnings in 1902, and only perfection will do. A key part of the factory process – and quite literally testing our ‘metal’ – is therefore the inspection stage.

For this, we’re moving into the warehouse, under quality lighting. The inspector is shown wiping a spoon over with cotton gloves while looking for any abnormalities within the item.

If any variances are found, the item would be sent back out onto the factory floor. If our inspector is happy, we’re happy! It’s then ready to join a full set and be packed ready for dispatch. Will it be adding some shimmer to your dining table?

Latte love between two Lichfield firms at new coffee shop

One family-owned Lichfield firm is supporting another with its new business venture. Lichfield’s newest café, The Auction Café by Richard Winterton, has been kitted out with cutlery from another of the city’s oldest firms; Arthur Price.

Richard Winterton said, “Throughout 2024, we were celebrating 160 years since the very first Wintertons office opened in Breadmarket Street back in 1864. A major part of marking this milestone was the opening of The Auction Café in Market Street just yards from that first office.

“When it came to choosing suppliers, we wanted to work with local companies and for cutlery Arthur Price was the only choice.

“Like ourselves, Arthur Price is a local, family firm with great heritage and ties to the community.

“It has an impressive collection of world-class quality cutlery and we opted for the Baguette range, whose fluid lines and understated pattern really complements the vibe of our new establishment.

“We’re very happy with our choice and have been getting lots of great feedback from customers.”

(Simon and James Price having a cuppa with Richard Winterton)

Arthur Price has been making cutlery since 1902. Currently run by fourth and fifth generations of the Price family, it has factories in Sheffield and Birmingham, with the company’s HQ midway between the two in Lichfield.

CEO Simon Price, said: “It’s great that two local businesses are partnering. I think it is really important that independent businesses support each other, even better if local.

“Together our companies have been serving people for over 280 years.

“The Auction Cafe is not just a place for a coffee, it’s a meeting point for people to chat, as Lichfeldians have done on Market Street for generations.

“It’s a great concept and I wish Richard and his team the very best.”

Both Arthur Price and Richard Winterton Auctioneers are strong supporters of the We Love Lichfield fund, of which Simon Price is patron. The community placed based fund has raised over £400,000 for local good causes over the last decade.  Richard Winterton and Arthur Price, together with other local independent business, have made a significant difference to voluntary groups across the district in the last few years.

The Auction Café is open seven days a week, from 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays.

People can have jewellery, watches, collectables and antiques valued and/or treat themselves to coffee, tea, cakes, cream teas, bread and savoury snacks, and hear all about the world of auctions.

Valuer Georgina Southam FIRV FGA DGA BA (Hons) will be offering free valuations of jewellery, watches, gold and silver at the café on Tuesdays January 14, 21 and 28 – just drop in between 10am and 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm.

Specialist valuations also take place between 10am and 12.30pm on Thursdays, with fine art, silver and ceramics on January 9 and 23, coins, medals and militaria on January 16 and toys, trains and railwayana on January 30.

David Lloyd and Arthur Price announce members’ partnership

Arthur Price and David Lloyd Lichfield have announced a special partnership for members after the cutlery firm supplied tableware to the newly refurbished leisure club.

 

Members of David Lloyd Lichfield will get a 20% discount off all marked products at the Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way until 31 December 2024.

 

James Price, Sales Director at Arthur Price said, “It will be great to see Arthur Price cutlery at this amazing leisure club.  The new spa retreat is stunning, the new business hub will help members achieve a great worker life balance and I am very proud that a Lichfield company is supplying such a prestigious national brand. And as a thank you to David Lloyd for choosing us, we are offering a special discount to Lichfield members at our factory shop.”

 

Andrew Lightbown, General Manager at David Lloyd Lichfield said, “We have invested £5.1million into our new Spa and Retreat plus refurbished gym, club room and studios. It is now a flagship David Lloyd Club and that’s we wanted to make those finishing touches extra special. Arthur Price supplies top hotels and restaurants throughout the World; it just felt right that we should have a prestigious, and local brand, to supply our cutlery.

 

Arthur Price are supplying cutlery to the new Business Hub and Clubroom for members to enjoy. With contemporary workstations and fast, free Wi-Fi, members can work while only being a few moments away from either a relaxing swim, spa experience or an energising gym session.

 

Andrew continued, “And to make the partnership extra special, Arthur Price has kindly offered our members a 20% discount…perfect timing as we start thinking about Christmas presents.”

Husband and Wife celebrate 55 years at Arthur Price

We are celebrating an incredible team members milestone during October – the 30th work anniversary of Production Assistant Penny Monk, and the 25th work anniversary of Warehouse Manager Dan Monk…her husband and also her boss.

 

Penny, 46 from Lichfield joined Arthur Price aged 16 in 1994 and has worked in various departments.  Dan joined in 1999 aged 17. He started working as a packer in the warehouse and now 42, he is the Warehouse Manager, and last year joined the Senior Management team at the company.

 

Penny and Dan met at work, dated for a few years after colleagues worked their magic at match making and the couple got married in August 2008. They have two children.

 

Penny from Lichfield said, “We were only teenagers when we met back in the nineties. Also these years later we are still together, working together and he is my boss…well at work anyway.

 

“I remember our first sort of date, we travelled with friends to Manchester shopping. I then received some red roses for Valentines Day but he never actually asked me out.  After some persuasion from colleagues he finally asked if I wanted to go out and we went to a local pub which we still go to now.”

 

Dan said, “I was very shy, I suppose still am. I finally plucked up the courage to ask Penny out, what she may not recall is that I actually sent her another dozen roses the next year before asking her out.  Let’s say it took me a while, but my chasing worked in the end.”

 

Simon Price, CEO said, “Dan and Penny are two vital cogs part of our business and I am privileged to have them in the team. On a personal level, it has been wonderful to be part of their life over all these years. I vividly remember them both joining the business and also recall the slow-burn dating process that entailed. Thank goodness for work colleagues pushing them along.

 

“They are part of the family. Their eldest son has completed work experience here, they have brought their youngest daughter into work, it is a pleasure to know the whole family. To see two people join your company, fall in love and still contribute all these years later is wonderful to see. Here’s to many more years with us, together.”

Dan said, “Like all colleagues Penny and I have had our disagreements over the years at work and it is somewhat strange sometimes to be her boss but we are stronger than ever and we love working at Arthur Price.  It is a family-owned business and everyone is treated as such.  We’ve completed 23 years working together, let’s hope there are many years to come.”

Celebrating 40 Years of silver service at Arthur Price

We take great pride in being a family-owned firm and celebrate every member of our incredible ‘family’.  So it was with great pleasure that we surprised our Production and Procurement Manager Mark Scarrott with an award to celebrate an amazing milestone – his 40th work anniversary at Arthur Price.

 

Mark worked for a heavy engineering firm before joining Arthur Price in 1984 as an assistant in the Production Department. He quickly rose up through the ranks and has been responsible for the deliver of everything from million piece orders to royal commissions for over two decades.

 

Mark from Burntwood said, “It’s flown by, it really has, and I am very thankful that I enjoy my work. I like my colleagues and every day is different, you just never know what you need to make. We don’t just manufacture cutlery, we also have many commissions for special tableware from across the globe. My highlights reel include travelling to the Middle East to oversee various special commissions for royal families in the region. And who knows what’s around the next corner?”

 

Simon Price, CEO said, “Mark is a vital part of our business, liked by colleagues and respected by customers with vast experience and expertise. He is, in my opinion, the best in the business.

 

“As a family-owned business, the next generation is vital to our success. Mark has seen my father’s time, my time and now James’. As times have changed his skill and knowledge have too developed which to me shows an amazing aptitude and ability. I am privileged to have him as part of my team.”

 

James Price, Sales Director said, “Mark is the longest serving member of the Arthur Price team but we also have more than ten others celebrating over 30 years of service.  Everyone in this special group has made an amazing contribution to the success of the business. On a personal note I have been fortunate to learn from all these people and I hope that we have many more long-standing colleagues for generations to come.”

 

Pictured (L-R) is Simon Price, Mark Scarrott and James Price