Staffordshire – Arthur Price In Lichfield

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.

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

We Love Lichfield Receives Big Donation

Our CEO Simon is also patron to the community fund We Love Lichfield which has received a £10,000 donation from the business trading arm of Lichfield District Council. Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services (LWMTS) has donated funds from its annual surplus as part of its commitment to give back to the local area.

LWMTS is the wholly owned trading company of Lichfield District Council. It exists to deliver high-quality services to residents on behalf of the council. It also shares its award-winning expertise with other councils and organisations across the country. What makes LWMTS unique is its model and its values. All surpluses are reinvested back into local public services with the ability to donate to good causes in the district.

Alex Farrell, Chair of LWMTS said, “I’m delighted to make this donation. LWMTS has had an excellent year where we have been able to make significant returns to Lichfield District Council which will, in turn, be used to benefit local people. In addition, we can make donations to organisations we feel make a difference across the district.

“We Love Lichfield has raised and distributed over £420,000 to more than 400 different groups since it started a decade ago. It specifically helps smaller groups, who may not receive the limelight, but are the bedrock of the local voluntary community.

“By making this donation to We Love Lichfield and their unique knowledge and connections in the local voluntary sector, we are maximising our reach and benefitting as many people as possible who make a difference across the district.”

Some of the organisations to receive We Love Lichfield grants over the years include Spark in Burntwood, Whittington Community Computer Club and Friends 2 Friends.

Esther Allen from Spark Burntwood said, “Our groups have received multiple grants from We Love Lichfield which has helped us to provide vital services to local people. Without grants from We Love Lichfield we wouldn’t have been able to do much of our work for the community.”

Simon Price, Patron of We Love Lichfield said, “Wow. A huge thank you for this kind donation which will have a massive, positive effect on local voluntary groups across Lichfield, Burntwood and the surrounding villages.

“My thanks also go to Lichfield District Council 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.”

Grant applications can be made at any time throughout the year and We Love Lichfield are always looking for groups to apply for the first time. Grant awards are made twice a year in the Summer and at Christmas. For more information, please visit our website www.welovelichfield.com where you can find all the details.

We Love Lichfield is one of the Community Foundation For Staffordshire and Shropshire’s place based funds. It provides grants 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.

Since it started over a decade ago, We Love Lichfield has given away just over £420,000 in 428 grants to 228 organisations.

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

Picture is Simon receiving a cheque from LWMTS’s Alex Farrell together with WLL and LWMTS representatives

Arthur Price Forges Partnership With Staffordshire Artist

We are delighted to announce a partnership with Staffordshire artist Jackie Roberts. Jackie’s prints and other merchandise, depicting local landmarks, are now sold at the Arthur Price Factory Shop on Britannia Way, Lichfield.

Jackie is a Staffordshire-based artist who draws local towns, cities and villages, inspired by the landmarks around her. Her prints, tea towels, coasters, tote bags, magnets and key rings of Lichfield landmarks and buildings including the Cathedral, Samuel Johnson’s birthplace, the Guildhall, Erasmus House and Donegal House, can now be bought at another recognisable venue, the Arthur Price Factory Shop.

Jackie said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be partnering with a well-known British brand like Arthur Price. They reached out to me saying they wanted to include my work because they love Lichfield and want to support other local businesses. I’ve got a fantastic display in their shop and I think it’s wonderful we are working together, which can only benefit us both.”

Bev Shepherd, Factory Shop Manager said, “We are all very proud Lichfieldians and it’s great to have such a talented local artist as Jackie selling her fantastic work in our shop. Just seeing Jackie’s work reminds me of how lucky we are to live in an area with so many beautiful buildings.

Simon Price, CEO of Arthur Price said, “Welcome Jackie. I’m a great believer in business partnerships. And as the challenging retail environment continues, partnerships and friendships are the way forward.”

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.”

Arthur Price welcomes new We Love Lichfield supporter

Arthur Price are huge supporters of We Love Lichfield and we are delighted that another local independent business is helping spread the word of the fund.

Cathedral Hearing, has named We Love Lichfield as its charity of choice. Recently opened on Sandford Street, the clinic offers hearing tests, ear wax removal and hearing aid packages and hopes a special open day in September will raise awareness of the fund.

Principal Audiologist Laura Evans said, “Supporting the community is important to me. I am from the area and now as a local business owner, I want to give something back. I’ve seen the amazing work of We Love Lichfield, supporting hundreds of small voluntary groups across the District, and wanted to help. I will be making a donation to We Love Lichfield for every ear wax removal during our first year.”

Laura hopes that a special open day at her clinic will attract potential customers to help raise more money for We Love Lichfield. She is encouraging people who feel they may need a hearing examination to visit on Saturday 21 September. Staff at the clinic, based in a grade II listed building on Sandford Street, will demonstrate the sound booth and show the video otoscope in action, which allows patients to view the inside of their ears on the big screen. Also hearing aid manufacturer Phonak will be demonstrating their latest products driven by AI technology.

Laura said, “We are on a mission to break down the barriers to having your hearing tested and encourage everyone to take good care of their hearing health. Our September open day is an opportunity to see the latest discreet technology in action and ask questions about their hearing in a friendly environment while at the same time helping a great local cause.”

The open day is 10am-4pm on Saturday 21^st September. For more information visit cathedralhearing.co.uk or call 01543 319641

James Price, an advisor to We Love Lichfield said, “Thank you Laura for supporting We Love Lichfield. I am delighted that she has chosen us to be their charity of choice.

“I was lucky to have a tour of the clinic – the investment in equipment is substantial, all in a beautiful grade II listed building. Laura’s vision for Cathedral Hearing is amazing and from one independent, family-owned Lichfield business to another, I wish her all the very best.”

We Love Lichfield is one of the Staffordshire and Shropshire Community Foundation’s place based funds. It provides grants 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.

We Love Lichfield has just announced it has so far given away over £400,000 in 406 grants to 222 organisations.

For more information, visit www.welovelichfield.co.uk

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 40^th 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

Summer Sale Now On

Our Summer Sale is now on. Until Saturday 13th July at 4pm we have loads of special bargains only available during this period.

There’s box sets down to £99 (from £380) and knife blocks only £29.50 (RRP £99)

If you want a gift, our silver plate frames at down to an unbelievable £4.50 (RRP £15.59) and there’s a special children’s bundle gift set. Frame and baby shoe at £19.50, normally sold separately at £57.

There’s free parking outside and we are open 9-4 Monday to Friday and Saturday 10-4. Closed Sundays.

We hope to see you there

Arthur Price Announced As Headline Sponsor Of Historic Lichfield Event

We are delighted to announce that we are the headline sponsor of Lichfield’s historic Sheriff’s Ride.

Sponsorship of this 471 year old unique event, the only one of its type in the UK, will build upon Lichfield’s history and traditions and most importantly help reach new generations, broaden its appeal and bring economic benefits to the whole area.

The Lichfield Shrievalty Association (a group of former Sheriffs of Lichfield) have taken on the responsibility of maintaining the Ride. One of Lichfield’s greatest and oldest traditions, the Ride is a horse mounted inspection of the ancient boundary of the City which began after Queen Mary gave Lichfield a Royal Charter. This charter separated Lichfield from Staffordshire and made it a county in its own right. This enabled Lichfield to appoint its own Sheriff who enforced the law and managed the prison. The first ride was undertaken in 1553 and has continued every year except for the Covid years. The first Sheriff was Gregorie Stonynge. The 2024 Sheriff is Cathy Wood, who will join the historic list of locals to bear the title.

Our sponsorship will allow the Ride to more include the younger generation and increase community involvement. 2024 will see the first ever appointment of a Junior Sheriff who will be selected from a local school. Also, during the year The Arthur Price Junior Sheriff Children’s Fund will be created to raise money to help more youngsters to experience horse riding for the first time. Finally, the cultural legacy of the Ride will be taught by the newly appointed Official Ride Historian, Jonathan ‘Jono’ Oates, who will visit local schools.

Further widening the community involvement will be the official inclusion of cyclists. Organisations such as The Alternative Sheriff’s Ride, will also be part of the celebration.

The Clerk of The Course, Nick Sedgwick, said “The Lichfield Shrievalty Association plans to improve the event. The Arthur Price sponsorship enables us to directly attract the younger generation which will enhance our work to widen the impact of The Ride. We have already seen an incredible response from our local community with the interest and support from many local organisations and individuals. Already businesses, landowners and volunteers have come together to keep this tradition alive. We will return The Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride to the forefront of Lichfield’s historic and cultural heritage.

“We concluded that during these tough economic times, the only way to take The Ride to the next level was with sponsorship. I am delighted that Arthur Price, a family-owned, local independent company has stepped forward to support us. Indeed, it was their wish for their sponsorship to evolve The Ride and I thank them for their foresight and support.”

Simon Price, CEO of Arthur Price said, “The pressure on budgets meant that the event, in its current format, needed to be supported. But with difficulty comes opportunity and I was very focused on identifying where the event could be improved – reaching a wider audience, gaining more community engagement, making an impact on the local economy and finally to leave a lasting legacy.

“If a tradition is lost it is very difficult to resurrect. The whole district is rich in history which makes it a wonderful place for residents and visitors alike. Indeed, it has just been named as one of the best places to live in the UK.

“With our sponsorship I hope to make the event relevant for today’s society and for the benefit of the whole community. Specifically, with a view to attracting the next generation and helping the local economy by bringing in people from outside the usual groups to participate. “As Lichfield’s famous lexicographer Samuel Johnson once said,…”make new things familiar and familiar things new.” With such a rich history, and a passionate group of organisers, The Ride is a sleeping giant of an occasion with huge potential for the local community.”

Former Sheriff, Daryl Brown, from The Lichfield Shrievalty Association said, “Simon Price has been very specific in his vision for the sponsorship and that the next generation is key. As a teacher I wholeheartedly agree.

“Last year’s Ride included both cyclists and horses, and was a resounding success. I envisage a City full of spectators watching the ceremonial procession of The Sheriff, The Junior Sheriff, The Ride of 75 horses and a host of cyclists.

“Such a display will unite local residents and visitors in a celebration of our unique cultural identity. This will, in turn, support the local economy, filling cafes and shops and welcoming new visitors to our historic City.”

The Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride will take place on Saturday 7^th September 2024, starting in the morning, at The Guildhall on Bore Street. It will then make its way around the historic 20 mile boundary before returning via Lichfield Cathedral at around 4:30pm. To find out more, support or participate, visit www.sheriffoflichfield.org.uk.

Happy Anniversary To Our Factory Shop

On a spring morning in April 1982 the UK’s biggest factory shop opened its doors for the very first time.

Now 42 years later, the fashions and the music may have changed, but Arthur Price is still serving up quality cutlery and gifts.

To celebrate we have an amazing offer – the Toscana 42 piece box set normally retails at £295. For the first 42 people to ask, this beautiful contemporary pattern perfect in any home, will only be £42.

From today the first 42 customers to enter the store and ask for Toscana only have to part with £42. All we’ll say is don’t hang around…they are going to disappear very quickly.