Member Article

Plastic-free demand drives growth for Loughborough manufacturer

Increasing public demand for plastic-free products is supporting the growth of Loughborough-based brushware manufacturer, Charles Bentley & Son.

The 159-year-old company has achieved 5% growth in the last two financial years, increasing its turnover of over £30 million in a challenging retail climate.

The growth has largely been driven by key accounts from major retailers as they move away from plastic products in favour of wooden alternatives.

Charles Bentley & Son has developed a new plastic-free collection in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, featuring products made from natural, sustainable materials.

The Marine Conservation Society is the UK’s leading charity for the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife for over 30 years.

The new range includes wooden hand brushes, brooms, mop and feather duster, with all packaging made from recycled materials.

The family-run firm now aims to build on the growth following major investments, including a substantial six figure investment in re-branding and developing a new website to align its trade and consumer brands.

Charles Bentley, Managing Director at Charles Bentley & Son, comments: “Switching to plastic-free is high on the agenda of our customers, as well as retailers, and as an established company it’s vital we show leadership and adapt to changing times. This new collection empowers consumers to be more environmentally conscious and make more informed choices.

“Our longevity as a company relies on our ability to develop new products and using our expertise to continually improve on the performance of everyday items. Every aspect of the range has been carefully considered to ensure components are natural and sustainably sourced, and this is balanced with the need for products to be user friendly and robust.

“As a company, we are proud to be utilising our traditional skills while leading change and to have this as the driving force behind winning major new contracts with well-known brands.

“Having firmly established the Charles Bentley & Son name as a trusted manufacturer in a number of trade sectors, we have now made a significant investment in re-branding as we seek to increase brand awareness amongst consumers.”

A number of promotions and recent appointments in key roles will further support the Charles Bentley & Son’s continued growth and development as its 160th anniversary approaches.

The company, which originally made chimney sweeping brushes, now employs 137 people and manufactures two million brushes annually from its Loughborough factory on Monarch Way.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Ross .