SOLD : Bags of Interest in Interesting Bags
Although called The Big Brown Carrier Bag Suppliers the business actually offers a wide range of recycled and reusable bags in an array of colours and sizes and with the option of the bags being printed with logos or other designs and messages.
The business was established in 2005 and acquired by Amanda Pettit in 2014. Based in Honiton Amanda grew the business by offering bags made from either recycled paper or materials of cotton and jute to a wide range of clients. With requirements ranging from up-market boutiques and artisan bakers to large public sector organisations there is always a style, shape and design to cater for all requirements.
With some of the customers having reduced requirements during the national lockdowns the business turned to some new markets and was able to satisfy new customers such as where businesses adapted to different ways of operating - pubs and restaurants offering take-away meals for instance.
The products are supplied by manufactures in The United Kingdom but also with one supplier in continental Europe and one in Asia. Where required printing of logos etc. is arranged with sub-contractors and the products are distributed via courier services or a pallet distribution company. Around 90% of trade is within The UK but the overseas market has been growing.
Additionally the business has kept up with an on-line presence with its website linking to both Amazon and eBay and supported by a sophisticated ordering and reporting system.
Looking to focus on another project Amanda instructed the Exeter based specialist business transfer agency Beardsley Theobalds to offer her business for sale. The business was advertised on various websites within the business transfer industry, suitable people on their register of buyers were notified and a mailshot was issued to operators within the industry. Interest came from a variety of potential buyers; individuals with suitable business backgrounds who were attracted to this style of operation in an interesting market, owners of printing businesses who saw that there was the opportunity to offer their printing services to an established client base, direct competitors in the industry and many firms who had had existing businesses with synergies with Big Brown Carrier Bag Suppliers.
The company was acquired by Rawlings (www.rawlingsbristol.co.uk) on 22nd March. Rawlings is a leading packaging specialist supplying bottles, jars, branding and decoration to a diverse range of market sectors. With a diverse range of clients, from entrepreneurial start-ups to well-established premium brands; the addition of the new bag range will strengthen their overall offering.
