Wine merchant breaks £1m turnover barrier

A North Yorkshire wine merchant firm has hit the £1m turnover barrier.

Firth & Co, has seen annual turnover grow by 20% in the past 12 months, to record its highest-ever level. The firm has been trading for ten years.

Andrew Firth, who runs the firm, said: “The last 12 months have been extremely encouraging. Turnover has increased by 20% to a record high and we have also a raft of prestigious hotels restaurants as clients.

Firth & Co moved from Bedale to bespoke offices and a warehouse at Lowfield Farm, Ainderby Steeple in 2015 to cope with growing demand. Firth said: “Our move to ideal new premises near Northallerton five years ago was an endorsement of the steady progress we had made since Firth & Co was founded. Apart from the self-contained office space, we have a reception area, where we can hold wine tastings, and a spacious purpose-built warehouse to store our wines. It has proved perfect for our expansion.”

Firth, the former managing director of Yorkshire wine merchants Playford Ros, has also appointed experienced wine merchant Will Tilling as sales director.Firth added: “Our success has enabled me to promote Will, who previously worked for Majestic Wines in Somerset, to sales director. He has been with us for three years and has been an integral part of our progress.  He has proved to be an invaluable support to me as we continue to look after our existing customers and gain new ones and is a great addition to our team.

“We have established a strong reputation for being a niche supplier of excellent European wines at competitive prices. We pride ourselves on a swift and personal service and are proud of the fact that we supply some of the very best hotels and restaurants in Yorkshire and the North East.”

Jonathan Turner, owner of Bowcliffe Hall and The Yorke Arms, added: “I have known Andrew for many years and trust his experience and good judgement. His personal service is unrivalled, while his knowledge and choice of wines from across the world is exemplary. I think it is also important to choose local Yorkshire suppliers whenever possible, so Firth & Co fit the bill perfectly. I look forward to continuing our long and happy relationship in the coming years.”