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Bartholomews Group

A Substantial Family Owned Business


A long and sustained history of development.

Founded in 1881.
John Woods Bartholomew, aged 18, opened his first shop in Chichester for £100. Trading in malt and hops for local brewing, and horse feed, he started his distribution business delivering to farmers on a bicycle.

1907
John Woods' son, Cyril, joined the business aged 14.
Cyril was mobilized in 1914 and fought in Gallipoli and France. He was decorated with the Military Cross.

1918
Alan Bartholomew joined his brother and together laid the foundations for the development of the hugely successful business Bartholomews is today.

1937
Acquired Portfield site in Chichester - still serving today as the Group Headquarters.

1978
BSD founded to focus on specialised warehousing and distribution.
Our adaptability to customer needs is reflected in the diverse range of industries we have serviced. These include bicycles, beer, fertilisers for ICI and Fisons, seeds for Birds Eye, dog foods, sheet steel storage, St Ivel yoghurt, sugar beet pulp, base plastics, bulk storage of books, freezers for LEC Refrigeration, amongst many others.

1980's
Specialist pick and pack operation established for book publishers.
Computerised systems introduced and strategic development of distribution services.
Established logistical operations at all levels for display marketing industry.

1990's
Warehousing facilities modernised and expanded to 120,000 square feet on two sites.
Bespoke computer system developed including electronic input of data through bar coding, hand held scanning units, and comprehensive stock location and auditing.
24 hour 6 day operation implemented.
Customisation of product service introduced.
Trade Desk facility provided.
Dedicated personnel for personalised point-to-point contact.
Internet and e-commerce link facilities launched.

Success founded on highly experienced management team.

BSD is managed day to day by a highly experienced management team spanning all levels of the business. Our success is based on a solid infrastructure of key managers who have established long and distinguished careers with the company.

The Bartholomews Group of Companies.

Comprised of the following companies. Each is an independent limited company, but fully integrated within the Group to provide specialist expertise and economy of scale.