Encouraging year for Yorkshire business supplies firm

A YORKSHIRE one-stop business supplies company has reported a 'very encouraging' first quarter of 2023.

CTS UK, whose headquarters are in Northallerton, provides personalised workwear, merchandising, promotional products, cleaning and hygiene products, personal protective equipment (PPE) and office stationery.

Howard Gill, CTS's managing director, addressing a quarterly business update meeting for all staff, said: "There's no doubt that these are challenging economic times, with an on-going cost-of-living crisis, which impacts on businesses across the UK. We are no exception.

"Having said that, we are very encouraged by the progress we have made so far this year, with strong trading figures across all sectors of our business, which are supported by a healthy order book, margin improvements across the board and exciting new customers, including Sainsburys and Bunzl.

"In addition, we have secured market leading suppliers from our burgeoning hygiene business, including a new partnership with Cleenol, as this division goes from strength to strength."

The company is also delighted with the rapid growth of Equithread, which specialises in providing high-quality, affordable workwear and uniform to the horse racing and equestrian industry.

CTS's talented senior team has been strengthened by two key appointments, James Smith who is the new production manager and Imran Amjad, who joins as a senior account manager, with special responsibility for cleaning and hygiene sector.

Howard said: "James and Imran are tremendous additions to our tight-knit and hard-working team. Their experience and expertise will be vital in driving our business forward and ensuring that we continue to be the fastest-expanding supplier of business workwear, office supplies and hygiene products in the North of England and a leading player in these sectors in the UK."

CTS has extensive warehouse and distribution facilities in Northallerton to service its many high-profile clients including Sports Direct, WS Transport, Bunzl, Heck, Sainsburys, Flamingo Land and Woodsmith Construction.

Founded four years ago, the company has a projected £50m turnover by 2027.

CTS UK's Northallerton premises were officially opened by the then Chancellor and now Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said: "It was a real privilege to visit CTS and to see how the company is expanding and responding to the challenges and opportunities in its competitive sector. It is good to see companies like CTS adapt and explore new markets and products. Judging by what I have seen, this has been a great success.

"Showing tremendous Yorkshire resilience and imagination, CTS are an excellent example of a company which is determined to make a difference. It was a pleasure to open the company's new premises and I shall be following their progress with interest."