Buyout saves Sheffield’s last volume cutlery manufacturer

2 mins read

Two South Yorkshire businessmen, both experienced turnaround managers, have saved Sheffield’s last volume manufacturer of cutlery, preserving a tradition that dates back a thousand years.

David Kynman and Paul Coleclough (pictured), who met several years ago when interim managers for a Rotherham technology business, have acquired the shares of the Nickel Blanks group of companies, which includes such celebrated flatware producers as Osborne Silversmiths and embraces the end-to-end manufacture of stainless steel, EPNS (electro-plated nickel silver) and 925 sterling silver table cutlery and associated serving pieces. The loss-making operation was in danger of having production transferred to the Far East, before an arrangement was made with suppliers and trade accounts. Unlike many ‘English’ cutlery brands, which have their products manufactured inexpensively abroad, the group forges, grinds, polishes and plates all of its cutlery in Sheffield, even supplying spoon, fork and knife blanks to other flatware companies. The newly-acquired operation is now being consolidated under one roof, with one invoicing function, a single stock control system and some level of rationalisation among the seven member companies. Employing capital investment funds extended by regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, which promotes sustainable economic development in the area, the group is relocating from its present sites around the city to new premises near Meadowhall, which will house the entire operation, including upgraded machinery, new IT equipment and a factory shop. “We took one look at the operation and felt there just had to be a future here. Others planned to move the business overseas and import products from China, but with the 100% made-in-Sheffield heritage, a team of highly skilled craftsmen and outstanding trade customers like Harrods and Pottery Barn in the States, there was clearly bags of potential for a profitable venture with a long term future,” says Kynman, who plans in future to re-establish an apprenticeship scheme so that vital skills are not lost. In addition to Nickel Blanks, which produces spoons and forks, and the traditional silver and stainless steel cutlery maker Osborne, the group comprises Jessop & Smith, forging knife blades, Beatson Drake, responsible for knife handles and knife assembly, Rutland Cutlery, which grinds and polishes blades, Classic Cutlery, specialist in polishing and EPNS plating, and retailer Dynasty, trading locally under the name Sheffield Scene, all of which are currently located within a half mile radius. Following the buyout, the group has extended its concession agreement with Harrods, and managed to maintain consumer sales in the key American market, through the Pottery Barn home furnishing stores familiar to fans of ‘Friends’. There is also a strong export business in Europe, Canada, Middle East, Hong Kong, Thailand, China and Russia, and an e-commerce facility is under development to maximise global online sales. Trade customers represent a key revenue stream, with prestige names like Fairline Yachts and Waterford Crystal choosing to specify cutlery and serving pieces that are ‘made in Sheffield’. The group recently received orders from Gordon Ramsay Holdings, for complete cutlery ranges for two new hotel-based restaurants being launched by the world-renowned chef.