Arcadia: Ambitious plans for the future

Arcadia is the pet and aquatic division of Jerrard Bros. plc, a lighting manufacturer based in South London, England. The company is a highly successful, well-established, progressive and respected lighting manufacturer. The organization consists of two operating divisions: Jerrards (specialising in commercial lighting for point of sale and signs) and Arcadia (servicing the aquarium and pet care market). The pet trade accounts for two thirds of the company’s total business. Over 60 staff are currently employed in the factory, warehouse, offices and sales operation.
The original company, Arcadia Engineering Co., was a partnership set up in 1964 by two brothers, Doug and Noel Jerrard, to manufacture and distribute goods specifically for the pet trade. Early lines included metal products such as frames for aquariums and a range of birdcages. During the early 1970s the company increased its product range to include lighting for aquariums and employed ten staff.
Managing director Gerard Oates.
The partnership became incorporated in 1975. It was renamed Jerrard Bros. (Engineering) Ltd. and was dedicated to aquarium lighting. In 1984, Gerard Oates, a chartered accountant, started advising the company on financial matters and this turned out to be a significant development. On the retirement of the founder directors in 1986, Doug Jerrard’s son, Steve, who had worked for the company since 1977, was appointed managing director, with Gerard Oates becoming a director. By 1988, the company employed 25 people and was re-registered as a public company, ‘Jerrard Bros. plc’, moving to its current premises in Croydon.
A management buyout team purchased the company in March 2001, with Gerard Oates as managing director, Julian Hastings as Arcadia’s director and Louis Harakis as Jerrard’s director. The MBO was financed by HSBC bank, with sufficient capital being raised to acquire the business and allow investment in new plant and machinery. Since the buyout, the company has gone from strength to strength.
Arcadia’s director Julian Hastings.
The UK represents the primary market for Arcadia and its products are also sold in nearly 40 countries worldwide, with France and Germany representing strong export markets. Mary-Anne Oates is employed by Arcadia to service specifically the German speaking countries that purchase Arcadia products. In France and the UK, Arcadia’s distribution is fed through a variety of specialist wholesalers.
Best selling products include the Arcadia range of…