Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

Company Shop Group is the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products, operating with a distinctive social enterprise model that blends commercial expertise with a strong social purpose. Headquartered in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, the group plays a pivotal role in reducing food waste while supporting communities across the UK through its unique blend of retail operations and community programs.

Core Business and Offerings

At its core, Company Shop Group specializes in acquiring surplus stock from major manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers — products that are perfectly good but otherwise destined for waste due to packaging errors, short shelf-life, or seasonal changes. The group then redistributes this surplus through:

• Company Shop: A network of membership-only stores that sell surplus products at heavily discounted prices to key workers such as NHS staff, emergency service workers, and employees in the FMCG supply chain.
• Community Shop: A social enterprise arm that supports people in low-income communities by offering access to deeply discounted products and providing life-changing personal development programs.

Their product offerings span:

• Food & Beverages: Dry goods, frozen meals, fresh produce, beverages, and packaged foods.
• Household Essentials: Personal care products, cleaning supplies, and basic home goods.
• Non-Food Items: Clothing, footwear, and a variety of general merchandise.

Unique Positioning and Impact

The Group’s model uniquely addresses three major challenges: environmental sustainability, economic affordability, and social empowerment. Their operations prevent vast amounts of surplus from going to waste, and in doing so, offer affordable goods to their members and uplift communities through education and support.

Key Impact Metrics (2023):

• 98 million surplus food and household products were saved from waste.
• Over £100 million in estimated economic savings delivered to members.
• 50,000+ tonnes of products rescued from landfill.
• 11.5 million meals equivalent redistributed.
• Over 600,000 members served across the UK.

These metrics reflect both environmental and social impact, solidifying their position as a sustainability leader within the retail and FMCG sectors.

Financial Performance

While Company Shop Group operates with a strong social purpose, it is commercially successful. The business has been consistently profitable while reinvesting in social programs.

• Estimated Revenue (2023): Over £60 million, derived primarily from store sales and partnerships.
• The group reinvests a significant share of its surplus into its community engagement and growth programs, reinforcing its commitment to circular economy principles.

Export and Redistribution

Although focused domestically, Company Shop Group collaborates internationally with redistribution networks and thought leaders in sustainability. Their exportable model has attracted attention globally, making them a reference point in surplus management and circular economy policy.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• Advanced Logistics Network with multiple redistribution hubs across the UK.
• National Retail Footprint: 11+ Company Shop stores and 12+ Community Shop locations.
• Integrated Supply Chain Partnerships: Working with over 500 FMCG companies including Unilever, Nestlé, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer.
• In-house Surplus Management Solutions: Custom systems and traceability processes ensuring safety, compliance, and transparency.

Certifications and Compliance

• BRCGS Certified for food safety and storage.
• Sedex Member for ethical supply chain management.
• WRAP & IGD Partnership for food waste reduction standards.
• GDPR and ISO-compliant data and IT infrastructure.
• Regular participation in government and regulatory consultations on surplus redistribution policies.

Target Markets

• Key Worker Communities: NHS staff, social workers, factory workers, teachers.
• Low-income Families: Through the Community Shop initiative.
• Corporate Partners: FMCG brands seeking compliant and sustainable surplus solutions.

Recognitions and Achievements

• 2022 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Promoting Opportunity
• Zero Waste Awards Winner for multiple years.
• Recognized by WRAP and DEFRA for national food waste reduction leadership.
• Founder and former chairman John Marren received OBE for services to business and social enterprise.

Customer Testimonials

"Company Shop has been a lifeline to my family. The quality is amazing, and it helps us save over £100 every month." – NHS Nurse, Barnsley

"Community Shop gave me more than affordable food – it gave me confidence, skills, and a path to a better life." – Community Shop Member, London

Final Note

Company Shop Group exemplifies how a mission-led business can operate at scale while delivering economic, environmental, and social value. With its proven track record, robust infrastructure, and credible impact data, it remains a trusted partner for surplus redistribution and social enterprise innovation in the UK and beyond.