Record result places Bettys & Taylors in strong position to bounce back from pandemic

The company, which has six Bettys branches in Yorkshire, saw its sales increase by 9 per cent to £227.4m in the year ending October 31 2019. The operating profit was £15.8m, which is £4.6m higher than the previous year.

Group finance and resources director, Paul Cogan, said: “We started the 2019 financial year with a huge level of uncertainty.

“While we had a centenary to look forward to, we were operating in a challenging market place with increasing costs and uncertainty over Brexit.

“The year exceeded our expectations, with a strong performance across the group, reflecting the fact that our customers continue to value the commitment to quality and service we’ve held close to heart throughout our 100-year history.

He added: “Clearly 2020 hasn’t been the start we’d planned for our second century of trading and we, like many others on the high street, have faced considerable challenges and changes that will shape our business well into the future.

“However, while we can’t be complacent, we believe that our robust financial position, the commitment of our people, the loyalty and affection from our customers and our strong family business values, will help us navigate these turbulent times.”

The tea rooms closed during the lockdown, but over the last few months, the shops and cafés, excluding the café at Bettys Stonegate in York, have re-opened with what the company describes as robust social distancing in place.

The tea and coffee factory, Bettys Craft Bakery and Bettys mail order service, have continued to operate throughout the pandemic. The business employs 1,598 people in a wide range of roles.

Last month, the business also confirmed that it would be returning funds claimed from the Government’s Job Retention Scheme and it has no plans to make any future claims.

The record 2019 performance followed a year of strong growth across both the company’s businesses.

The year saw a new Yorkshire Tea ‘Where everything’s done proper’ campaign starring Yorkshire celebrities such as Sean Bean and Dynamo, as well as a partnership with the UCI Championship.

Taylors of Harrogate also remained the UK’s number one filter, cafetière and espresso coffee brand, with 21.7% of the market.

The 2019 financial year also saw significant investment in buildings, systems and people, including the opening of a new blending hall at Taylors tea and coffee factory, the installation of new coffee bag lines and blending equipment.

All employees shared in the family business’s group prosperity scheme, which was paid at 9.1%. This scheme, together with the Centenary Bonus, resulted in a total payment to employees of £4.1m.

The group also contributed a total of £466,000 – both financial and in kind – in charitable and community activities in the UK, and a further £976,700 into initiatives to support the long- term sustainability of its tea and coffee supply chain.

The Bettys business was founded in Harrogate in 1919 by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont. In 1962 Bettys purchased Taylors. The business is still owned by the founder’s family.

The company’s centenary was marked by the launch of a number of products, the publication of ‘From the Alps to the Dales’ by historian Annie Gray, a centenary party and a £500 Centenary Bonus for all employees.

The shareholders also established two new funds – one to help employees develop skills beyond the training for their role, and the Family Fund, to support young people who face challenging circumstances through food, catering and hospitality skills.

The family business has donated more than £100,000 to the regional Coronavirus Community Relief Fund, managed by the Two Ridings Foundation.

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James Mitchinson