Tag: We Love 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

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.

 

 

 

(Richard serving Simon inside the Auction Cafe)

 

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.

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 21st 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.

 

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

 

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

Raffle To Raise Funds For We Love Lichfield

We are proud supporters of We Love Lichfield, a local community fund that raises money throughout the year and then gives away grants twice a year to good causes across Lichfield District.

Our CEO Simon Price is patron of We Love Lichfield and he is passionate about the organisation.

Until the end of March we are raising funds via a raffle. One lucky person is going to win £750 worth of goodies. We want as many people to buy a ticket, only a £1! Please share to as many people as you can and pop in to buy a ticket.

For more information visit www.welovelichfield.com

Raffle To Raise Funds For We Love Lichfield

We are proud supporters of We Love Lichfield, a local community fund that raises money throughout the year and then gives away grants twice a year to good causes across Lichfield District.

Our CEO Simon Price is patron of We Love Lichfield and he is passionate about the organisation.

Until the end of March we are raising funds via a raffle. One lucky person is going to win £750 worth of goodies. We want as many people to buy a ticket, only a £1! Please share to as many people as you can and pop in to buy a ticket.

For more information visit www.welovelichfield.com

Arthur Price On The TV With David Dickinson Talking Titanic

Two family-owned Lichfield businesses have appeared on the same episode of one of Britain’s most-watched television programmes. The 19th series of Dickinson’s Real Deal is currently being broadcast on ITV1.

The episode which aired on Friday, January 19, featured auction scenes with Richard Winterton at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley, and celebrity antiques expert David ‘The Duke’ Dickinson talking to Simon Price, CEO of cutlery manufacturer Arthur Price.

Simon visited the Fradley Park saleroom because of a personal connection with one of the lots featured on the programme – a Titanic souvenir signed by Millvena Dean, the last living survivor of the sinking and, at two months old, the youngest passenger onboard.

Founded in 1902, Arthur Price supplied cutlery for the White Line, Titanic’s owner. Arthur Price cutlery has been found in the wreck and been verified by deep-sea explorers.

Arthur Price produced a limited edition silver-plated spoons modelled from the original die on the pattern used on the Captain’s table.

Number 1 of 89, bearing Millvena Dean’s signature on the bowl of the spoon, and commemorating her 89th birthday in 2001, was brought to a Dealer Day at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull in May last year by Tom Reeves.

Tom’s framed spoon included a certificate with a personalised inscription – “To Tom and Gail, with every good wish from Millvena Dean, youngest survivor of the Titanic” – dated September 19, 2001.

Dealer Fay Rutter offered £80 but Tom opted for the experience of auction, with David Dickinson adding: “I think they’ve got something here that just titillates the public imagination. I think it’s desirable.”

By a quirk of fate, Tom worked for Simon’s grandfather Frederick Price at Parkfield Rolling Mills in Saltley, Birmingham, a manufacturing firm used to produce Arthur Price cutlery. When Richard Winterton found out about the connection, he invited Simon to meet Tom and watch the auction together.

Tom said on TV to David Dickinson, “I used to work for the company that supplied all the cutlery for the Titanic. The spoon is made from the genuine dies that made the cutlery originally in 1912.

He added: “I acquired replica newspaper articles over a period of time to put with it along with a copy of the posters that they had at the shipyard in Belfast before Titanic came to Southampton.”

Dealer Fay Rutter offered £80 but Tom opted for the experience of auction, with David Dickinson adding: “I think they’ve got something here that just titillates the public imagination. I think it’s desirable.”

Fast forward to the auction day in June 2023 and Simon was interviewed onscreen by ‘The Duke’ discussing the Titanic cutlery and a letter from an explorer who in a submersible visited the wreck at the bottom of Atlantic Ocean, and recognised the Arthur Price cutlery in the ship’s copper dishwasher tanks.

Going under the hammer with Richard Winterton, Tom’s lot sold well at auction and he took home £82 to put towards a holiday – definitely the Real Deal.

Simon said: “It was tremendous fun going along to the auction and meeting David, and it was a fantastic surprise to meet Tom, who worked for my grandfather.

“It was also a special moment being able to share the story of Arthur Price’s involvement with the Titanic on TV.”

David Dickinson also signed the We Love Lichfield celebrity shirt of which Simon is the patron. The Community Fund which raising and distributes grants across Lichfield District hopes to auction the t-shirt, which has over 40 signatures, to raise further funds in the future.

Simon said, “My thanks to David for taking the time to sign our We Love Lichfield charity shirt. He wanted to know more about the work the fund does and the people it helps. By signing the t-shirt, he adds to the amazing list of celebrities who have put their name to the fund, and in doing so helping others.”

Richard Winterton added: “I have known Simon for many years and when Tom came to the Dealer Day with his history linked to Arthur Price, it was a perfect connection and so I had to invite Simon along to meet him.

“Not only are our firms Lichfield companies each more than 100 years old, we are both committed supporters of We Love Lichfield and I also wish to say a big thank you to David Dickinson for his kind support.”

For more information on We Love Lichfield, visit www.welovelichfield.com.

For further information on Arthur Price Titanic replica cutlery visit: www.arthurprice.com/collections/titanic-luxury-cutlery

Series 19 episode six of Dickinson’s Real Deal, ‘Solihull 2’, can be viewed on demand at www.itv.com/watch/dickinsons-real-deal/33248/1a8665a1082.

Two family-owned Lichfield businesses have appeared on the same episode of one of Britain’s most-watched television programmes. The 19th series of Dickinson’s Real Deal is currently being broadcast on ITV1

Two family-owned Lichfield businesses have appeared on the same episode of one of Britain’s most-watched television programmes. The 19th series of Dickinson’s Real Deal is currently being broadcast on ITV1.

The episode which aired on Friday, January 19, featured auction scenes with Richard Winterton at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley, and celebrity antiques expert David ‘The Duke’ Dickinson talking to Simon Price, CEO of cutlery manufacturer Arthur Price.

Simon visited the Fradley Park saleroom because of a personal connection with one of the lots featured on the programme – a Titanic souvenir signed by Millvena Dean, the last living survivor of the sinking and, at two months old, the youngest passenger onboard.

Founded in 1902, Arthur Price supplied cutlery for the White Line, Titanic’s owner. Arthur Price cutlery has been found in the wreck and been verified by deep-sea explorers.

Arthur Price produced a limited edition silver-plated spoons modelled from the original die on the pattern used on the Captain’s table.

Number 1 of 89, bearing Millvena Dean’s signature on the bowl of the spoon, and commemorating her 89th birthday in 2001, was brought to a Dealer Day at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull in May last year by Tom Reeves.

Tom’s framed spoon included a certificate with a personalised inscription – “To Tom and Gail, with every good wish from Millvena Dean, youngest survivor of the Titanic” – dated September 19, 2001.

Dealer Fay Rutter offered £80 but Tom opted for the experience of auction, with David Dickinson adding: “I think they’ve got something here that just titillates the public imagination. I think it’s desirable.”

By a quirk of fate, Tom worked for Simon’s grandfather Frederick Price at Parkfield Rolling Mills in Saltley, Birmingham, a manufacturing firm used to produce Arthur Price cutlery. When Richard Winterton found out about the connection, he invited Simon to meet Tom and watch the auction together.

Tom said on TV to David Dickinson, “I used to work for the company that supplied all the cutlery for the Titanic. The spoon is made from the genuine dies that made the cutlery originally in 1912.

He added: “I acquired replica newspaper articles over a period of time to put with it along with a copy of the posters that they had at the shipyard in Belfast before Titanic came to Southampton.”

Dealer Fay Rutter offered £80 but Tom opted for the experience of auction, with David Dickinson adding: “I think they’ve got something here that just titillates the public imagination. I think it’s desirable.”

Fast forward to the auction day in June 2023 and Simon was interviewed onscreen by ‘The Duke’ discussing the Titanic cutlery and a letter from an explorer who in a submersible visited the wreck at the bottom of Atlantic Ocean, and recognised the Arthur Price cutlery in the ship’s copper dishwasher tanks.

Going under the hammer with Richard Winterton, Tom’s lot sold well at auction and he took home £82 to put towards a holiday – definitely the Real Deal.

Simon said: “It was tremendous fun going along to the auction and meeting David, and it was a fantastic surprise to meet Tom, who worked for my grandfather.

“It was also a special moment being able to share the story of Arthur Price’s involvement with the Titanic on TV.”

David Dickinson also signed the We Love Lichfield celebrity shirt of which Simon is the patron. The Community Fund which raising and distributes grants across Lichfield District hopes to auction the t-shirt, which has over 40 signatures, to raise further funds in the future.

Simon said, “My thanks to David for taking the time to sign our We Love Lichfield charity shirt. He wanted to know more about the work the fund does and the people it helps. By signing the t-shirt, he adds to the amazing list of celebrities who have put their name to the fund, and in doing so helping others.”

Richard Winterton added: “I have known Simon for many years and when Tom came to the Dealer Day with his history linked to Arthur Price, it was a perfect connection and so I had to invite Simon along to meet him.

“Not only are our firms Lichfield companies each more than 100 years old, we are both committed supporters of We Love Lichfield and I also wish to say a big thank you to David Dickinson for his kind support.”

For more information on We Love Lichfield, visit www.welovelichfield.com.

For further information on Arthur Price Titanic replica cutlery visit: www.arthurprice.com/collections/titanic-luxury-cutlery

Series 19 episode six of Dickinson’s Real Deal, ‘Solihull 2’, can be viewed on demand at www.itv.com/watch/dickinsons-real-deal/33248/1a8665a1082.

Strictly Come Dancing Star Coming To Lichfield

Lichfield is set to be bowled over by a charity cricket evening starring Strictly Star Graeme Swann

 

We Love Lichfield, Lichfield Cricket Club and The Lord Taveners are hosting a charity evening of sporting chat and entertainment with all the money raised going to good causes across the District

 

Following on from the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, Lichfield Cricket Club, in association with We Love Lichfield and The Lords Taverners, are hosting a Gala Dinner on Friday 28th June. Ex-England cricketer, Ashes hero and Strictly Come Dancing star Graeme Swann is the main speaker, with Radio 5 Live presenter Pat Murphy once again MC for the evening.

 

The dinner, which includes a four-course meal, will take place in a marquee at Lichfield Cricket Club on Eastern Avenue, Lichfield with Gold Package tables of 10 available for £1,000 and standard tables available for £650. There will also be tables available for individual ticket purchases, with single tickets priced at £65.

 

In addition to the meal and Q&A with Graeme Swann & Pat Murphy, there will also be an auction and raffle, with other games taking place throughout the evening in what promises to be another memorable night supporting three fantastic causes, with all money raised being reinvested in the District of Lichfield.

 

Simon Price, CEO of cutlery firm Arthur Price and Patron of We Love Lichfield said: “Last years inaugural event was fantastic, and we are going to push out all the stops to make the 2019 evening even better.  But don’t think this event is just about cricket. Graeme will chat about his celebrity life after cricket including his ‘fab-u-lous’ time on Strictly. It’s set to be a great evening for individuals, families and friends and it’s a great corporate opportunity for local businesses.”

 

For any ticket enquiries or sponsorship opportunities, including further details on our Gold Package, please contact Tom Stone on 07557 962159 or email Lichfieldcc@outlook.com