Cutlers Arthur Price still hallmark of quality after 115 years
It's one of the Midlands' most famous family businesses whose products have graced the tables of Royal palaces, the country's most prestigious hotels and even the Titanic.
And this year cutlers Arthur Price celebrates its 115th anniversary with the Lichfield-based firm still 100 per cent family owned and run by the fourth and fifth generation descendants of its founder.
The company, which has Royal Warrants from the Queen and Prince Charles, moved its head office to Staffordshire from Birmingham 35 years ago and is still the hallmark of quality with Harrods and Selfridges stocking its cutlery.
And the name Arthur Price is reaching new corners of the world.
"I believe there is an appetite for people buying a nice product," says Simon Price, the company's fourth generation managing director.
"We were in South Korea recently and the interest particularly amongst the younger generation was huge.
"The world has become disposable in many ways with people buying cheap and then throwing them away but I think people will always value top end products that will last a long time.
"Our brand has been around a long time and not many businesses can say they have been in the same family and have their products on sale for more than 50 years.
"People look up to our products around the world – there is a lot to be said for it being English."
The company, which has factories in Sheffield and Birmingham, employs 200 people and is also sparking interest in Germany and the Middle East. Exports makes up around 20 per cent of the company's sales.
And over the years it has also supplied Concorde and the Beckhams.
Simon's son James, aged 28, is the fifth generation of Prices to work at the firm.
He is the great-great grandson of Arthur Price who founded the company in 1902.
The business development manager said: "Since I can remember I have always wanted to go into the family company.
"Dad has never forced me into it, it is something I have always wanted to do."
After finishing university in Sheffield, James started his own marketing business in Birmingham to get 'life experience' before joining the family trade.
He said: "It was very important to get an idea how things work and to find my feet. When I joined the family business I then did every role from working in the warehouse to where I am today. Dad is a big believer of learning every aspect of the job. I live and breathe the business, it is not nine to five, but rather 24/7, 365 days a year.
"It is about being a custodian for the next generation."
Arthur Price has also forged a new relationship with Wolverhampton – with the company sponsoring the luxury bar at the Grand Theatre, known as Arthur’s Of The Grand on the dress circle level.
The company supplied over 1,000 pieces of cutlery and specially commissioned silver holloware pieces including champagne buckets, coasters and cocktail shakers all engraved with the Arthur’s Of The Grand logo.
"I first went to the Grand Theatre something like 50 years ago," said Simon.
"It is a remarkable venue and we are very proud of our connection to Wolverhampton."
