NEWS RDCP acquires Whitefurze R
DCP has acquired Coventry-based housewares manufacturer Whitefurze for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 1978, Whitefurze manufactures a wide range
of consumer durable products across food storage, housewares, storage and gardening categories. The business operates across three sites in Coventry, including a 42,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Nuneaton equipped with 34 injection moulding machines.
The company employs more than 100 people and supplies wholesalers, national retailers and independent stockists, alongside exporting to 22 countries. Managing Director Tracey Stone said the partnership with
RDCP represents “an exciting next chapter” for the business, adding that the investor’s long-term approach and commitment to investing in people and operations would support continued growth.
RDCP Founder and CEO Sameer Rizvi described Whitefurze as
“a business we have admired for quite some time”, highlighting its UK
manufacturing heritage, reputation for quality and strong customer relationships. Following the acquisition, RDCP said it will work alongside
Ms Stone and Finance Director Steve Hockin to support further expansion of the business. Funding for the deal was provided by AURELIUS Finance Company through a combined cashflow loan and revolving asset-based lending facility.
April/May 2026
housewareslive.net
Bluestem Group takes on 75-Mile challenge T
o mark sister company CEF’s 75th anniversary, a team of determined
colleagues from Bluestem Group, including Group Manager Rebecca Batchelor, are preparing to take on an epic three-day fundraising challenge in the Forest of Dean this June.
The team will canoe, cycle and
hike their way across an impressive 75-mile route, all in support of WellChild, a charity dedicated to
helping children and young people with complex medical needs and their families through practical and emotional support services. With the challenge designed to honour CEF’s milestone 75th
year, the team hopes to raise as much money as possible for the incredible work WellChild does across the UK. Supporters are encouraged to get involved by donating via CEF’s
fundraising page. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help make a difference. Fans and supporters can also show their encouragement on social media using the hashtag #TeamBluestem. The adventure officially begins on 17 June, with regular updates
set to be shared on Bluestem Group’s LinkedIn page as the team tackles the challenge.
BRC: ‘More must be done to support young people into work’ N
early half of the public believes more support is needed to help young people into work, according to new research from the British Retail Consortium and Opinium.
The survey found that 49% of respondents believe younger
unemployed people should receive greater employment support, as official figures show youth unemployment has risen to 16%, with 713,000 people aged 16-24 currently out of work. BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson warned that rising
employment costs are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to offer entry-level jobs. She said: “Opportunities for young people are disappearing in
front of our eyes. The reasons are clear: hiring is more expensive and business costs are soaring.” The BRC said retailers have faced significant increases in
employment costs over the past two years, including higher National Living Wage rates and increases to employer National Insurance Contributions, adding more than £6bn to costs across the sector. The poll also found that 53% of respondents support reducing the costs and requirements for employers hiring under-25s, while only
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7% disagreed. Retail remains one of the UK’s largest entry points into
employment, with the sector employing around 2.8 million people, including approximately 780,000 workers aged between 16 and 25. The BRC is calling on the Government to expand youth
employment schemes and ensure employment reforms do not unintentionally discourage businesses from hiring younger workers.
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