SOLD : Specialist Retailer of Back-Friendly and Ergonomic Furniture

Back Centre to The Future

‘The Back Centre’ was established in Ivybridge in 1989 as a retail operation having grown out of a furniture manufacturing business. From its highly visible premises just off Ivybridge town centre (and adjacent to a very convenient car park) the business specialises in selling back-friendly furniture, back care products and ergonomic workplace seating and desks as well as other domestic furniture from quality manufacturers.

Operated by husband and wife, Martin and Fran Coard, with four part time employees, by catering for customers’ individual requirements and providing a bespoke service the business has established an enviable reputation not only within South Devon but much further afield across The South West. 

In looking to retire from the business Martin and Fran chose to instruct specialist business transfer agents, Beardsley Theobalds of Exeter to handle the sale. The business was advertised not only on Beardsley Theobalds’ own website but also on the three main websites in the business transfer industry. Additionally, mailshots were conducted to appropriate people on Beardsley Theobalds’ register of buyers and to owners of furniture businesses across The Westcountry asking if they were looking for expansion via acquisition.

The business quickly caught the eye of Jason Mulligan, owner, along with his wife Fiorella, of The Big Pine and Oak Superstore in Plymouth.

Recognising the opportunities in the rapidly growing town of Ivybridge, Jason and Fiorella saw an opportunity to build on their furniture retail experience and to expand geographically and into a complementary sector of the industry.

This is an example of the wide range of business sales handled by Beardsley Theobalds.