Andy bought Morris & Son (Leeds) Limited in 2003 after 6 years in venture capital where he honed his deal making skills. The business is one of the largest food, drink & household products wholesale clearance and residual stock management specialists for the small and independent retailer and includes discontinued lines, stock in redundant packaging, surplus stocks, de-branded stocks and products approaching the end of their shelf life. Turnover was initially around £15m and over the next few years Andy added a few other businesses with different products and capabilities. In 2009 he became involved with Approved Food who bought products from Morris & Son for the market trading side before developing an online capability. Approved Food were based in Sheffield and sold similar products to Morris & Son but 100% online direct to consumer.
Four years ago, Andy bought out the other shareholders in Approved Food and in October 2019 moved both businesses to a new site in Barnsley. On August 1st 2021, he put both businesses together and formed Surplus Group Limited which consists of 4 divisions:- wholesale, on-line retail, production unit and the confectionery cash and carry in Stockport.
Approved Food has appeared on Dragons Den and featured on Martin Lewis’s Money Saving Expert website many times. Group turnover in 2021 was £22m.
Food and Drink
Retail
Business Planning
Ecommerce
Fast Growth
Leadership
Management Skills
Merger and Acquisition
Negotiation
Organisation
Project Management
Sales
Strategy
