Tag: family

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.

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.”

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

Silver Service – behind the scenes at the Arthur Price factory in Sheffield

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?

We hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into where the magic happens in the Arthur Price factory. As you can see from our range, the result of this manufacturing process is something very special. View our full collection here