UK
Tibard, the workwear, uniform and laundry company, is on course to grow revenues to £16.9million this year, up from £15m in 2016. Its growth is being driven by major contract wins and increased repeat business with existing clients as the hospitality sector continues to expand.
In a statement issued last week on behalf of the family-owned business, based in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, Tibard expects to recruit around 20 staff over the next two years to cater for its expanding order book, and is seeking additional space to accommodate its growth.
Founded by chairman John Shonfeld in 1979, Tibard produces 10,000 items of clothing each week for chefs, front-of-house, kitchen staff and others in the hospitality sector. The firm’s client base encompasses 1,500 restaurants, including Pizza Express, Wagamama, Yo! Sushi and a number of independent hotels, nightclubs, cafés and restaurants.
The founder’s son, commercial director Rick Shonfeld, said explained that the company needs additional space for new machinists, cutters, warehouse and sales staff, as well as increased storage for its expanding range.
He said: “Adding space and staff is essential as we continue to grow the business and reduce order lead times.
“We currently occupy 22,000 sq ft but we need between 30,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft. We are literally bursting at the seams.”
He said that a key focus for the business now is to work on driving online and overseas sales.
Internet orders currently account for 6% of Tibard’s overall revenue, but the plan is to grow that figure to 25% by the end of 2018. Last year, Tibard launched an online portal called Cloud Stores to make the ordering process simpler and more efficient.
Tibard has won contracts in Scandinavia and the Middle East for bespoke hospitality uniforms, and is working with international business management students at Manchester Metropolitan University to identify new overseas markets. Rick Shonfeld believes there is potential to grow exports further. He added: “We see lots of scope to expand our overseas presence given the favourable currency climate.“
Tibard employs 110 in Dukinfield and a further 40 at its Ashton-under-Lyne-based laundry, where it cleans chefs’ wear, table linen, napkins and other items for restaurants and hotels. Tibard also operates via a network of over 30 independent laundries around the UK.
A team from North West accountancy and business advisory firm Hurst is helping Tibard with its growth strategy. Hurst partner Simon Brownbill said: “We are delighted to be working with Tibard’s owners and management team to help develop and implement their plans while also providing a full range of accountancy services.
“Tibard is a well-run, family-owned business which is constantly aiming to innovate and expand, and can look to the future with confidence.”
