Newcastle pub equipment distributor boosts turnover by £600k following supply demand

A family-run independent equipment supplier to licensed trade The Rudd Group aims to increase turnover by over £600k.

Figures for the Newcastle-headquartered firm show an income increase from £7.4m in 2018 to in excess of £8m for the year ending May 31, 2019.

Said to be one of the largest independent suppliers within the industry, The Rudd Group has grown its income over recent years due, mainly, to its diversification into new markets within the licensed trade sector.

The Rudd Group has its head office at Brunswick Industrial Estate in Newcastle and has five further depots across the country in Leeds, Keswick, Wigan, Nottingham and Birmingham.

Nick Rudd, MD at the firm, said: “We’re really happy with the direction the company is moving in at the moment.

“Although the licensed trade has been a tough market to work in over the last few years due to high numbers of pub closures, we believe that the industry is taking a positive turn.”

Earlier this year, the Birmingham base moved to a larger premises to accommodate increased demand within the region, resulting in four new staff members.

The company was founded by Nick’s father, Bob Rudd, in 1989 with a focus on supplying the likes of gaming and amusement machines to pubs.

Nick added: “Our newer brands have further embedded the company as a key national player within the industry. We now supply a wide range of products to bars, pubs and social clubs across the country, from large national companies to small independent sites.

“We are constantly looking at ways to deliver products and services that can help our customers, and I believe our personal approach to customer service and our roots as a family-run business, have been important factors in our continued success.

“As well as the new divisions we have continued to invest in our core product portfolio of low stakes gaming and amusement equipment, which drives footfall and income into our customer’s venues.”