Ringtons launch new Devon base

Renowned British tea and coffee merchant Ringtons is bringing its traditional doorstep delivery service to thousands more households across the South West thanks to a new business venture in Newton Abbot.

The new Ringtons base in Newton Abbot has been launched following a period of substantial growth on the south coast of England.  Thousands of residents are already enjoying Ringtons’ quality tea, coffee, edibles and seasonal gifts from the company’s existing bases in Hointon, Sidmouth, Exeter and Ivybridge, and the new site will help expand Ringtons’ reach.

With over 15 years’ experience in retail – including a managerial position at a former Ringtons shop in Exeter – the Newton Abbot office is headed up by James Lamkin who will deliver to customers in Newton Abbot itself as well as surrounding areas such as Torquay, Ipplepen and Ogwell. 

Speaking of the new venture, James Lamkin from Ringtons Newton Abbot said: “It is a very exciting time to be joining the Ringtons family – the first deliveries on the south coast began in 2008 and ever since the company has continued to thrive in the area. There is clearly a demand from consumers for an alternative buying experience, and a personal, traditional service alongside great quality products is hitting the mark on the south coast. I thoroughly enjoyed working for Ringtons in the past and I am delighted to be able to join the company once again and bring the brand to my local community – plus it makes it easier for me to get my favourite tea!”

The new base in Newton Abbot is Ringtons’ 35th site and the company operates from as far north as Edinburgh to as far south as Ivybride.  In addition the business has a catering division Ringtons Beverages and an online store which delivers worldwide.

Jon Malton, Brand Director for Ringtons added: “Ringtons has proven to be very popular in Devon and we have a plan to expand in the area.  We invest a lot of time in finding the right people to join the company and in James we have found someone who not only knows the Ringtons brand, quality, and heritage, but who also has the experience and personality to do a fantastic job and we are delighted to have him on board.

“As a well-established business of 108 years, it’s fair to say we know a thing or two about doorstep delivery and we have ambitious, but achievable, plans for the next five years to launch six new areas a year across the south coast of England so it’s a very exciting time for Ringtons.”

Ringtons was founded in 1907 by Samuel Smith in Newcastle upon Tyne who sold tea to households via horse and cart. Today Ringtons still offers a traditional doorstep delivery service of tea, coffee, biscuits, edibles, gifts and seasonal goodies to customers via a fortnightly or monthly delivery; albeit via vans instead of horses.  The company has a turnover of over £45million (June 2014) and is headed up by the fourth generation of the founding Smith family.