From Removals to Revivals: A UK Entrepreneur's Journey

Charles Rickards, a UK-based entrepreneur, shares his decades-long experience in the world of business, showcasing his remarkable journey from transforming struggling removal businesses to reviving iconic heritage brands. This article highlights Rickards' strategic approach to turning around failed businesses and his commitment to fostering growth and shared success.

Building a Business Empire Through Acquisitions

Rickards' career began with the launch of his first business, the Harley Street Runners, at the young age of 19. Throughout his career, he has consistently sought opportunities to acquire and revitalize businesses, recognizing the potential for growth and value creation. This approach has led him to acquire and successfully transform various businesses, including the eponymous removals business, Anthony Ward Thomas Removals, which he transformed from a GBP2.5 million to a GBP50 million business.

• Rickards and his business partner, Anthony Ward Thomas, spearheaded the growth of Anthony Ward Thomas Removals through strategic acquisitions of underperforming businesses.
• Notable acquisitions include Cheshire-based logistics and delivery firm Bishopsgate Specialist Installations, which was acquired for GBP1 in 2007 and sold this year for GBP 47.5 million.
• Another success story is the London-based removals company Aussie Man and Van, which continues to thrive within the Master Removers Group.

Beyond Short-Term Gains: Investing in Long-Term Success

Rickards emphasizes that his focus is not on short-term asset stripping for quick profits but on nurturing businesses with long-term potential. He believes in sharing equity with those involved, ensuring alignment towards common goals, and equitable reward sharing once success is achieved.

Reviving a Beloved UK Heritage Brand: Cornishware

Rickards' passion for reviving businesses with inherent potential is evident in his journey with Cornishware, a striped kitchenware brand with a rich heritage dating back to the 1920s. This UK heritage brand, known for its iconic blue stripes, faced financial difficulties and halted operations in 2007.

• Despite the challenges, Cornishware had already established a loyal following and its 10oz mug is recognized as one of the "50 most iconic designs of the 20th century."
• Rickards recognized the brand's potential and saw an opportunity for revival, focusing on its heritage, beloved brand status, and timeless design. He also acknowledged the limitations of its traditional, labor-intensive production methods.

Leveraging the Power of the Internet for Business Growth

Rickards' innovative approach to reviving Cornishware involved leveraging the power of the internet to expand its reach and profitability. He recognized the internet's potential to revolutionize the business model, capitalizing on both wholesale and retail markets.

Bringing Production Back to the UK

While initially outsourcing production abroad, Rickards prioritized bringing production back to the UK. He now manufactures 250,000 pieces annually at a pottery studio in the South West of England. Each piece undergoes a meticulous process, passing through twenty-five pairs of hands before reaching over 25,000 customers in 100 countries worldwide.

A Family Business Legacy

Today, Cornishware continues to flourish under the leadership of Rickards' eldest daughter Rebecca, solidifying its status as a family business and a legacy for the next generation.

The Power of Turning Around Failed Businesses

Charles Rickards' story demonstrates the power of strategic acquisitions, innovative approaches, and a commitment to shared success in turning around failed businesses. His journey with Cornishware highlights the potential for reviving heritage brands, leveraging the internet, and building lasting family business legacies.