Chesterfield Champions celebrate growth, leadership and milestone success
Our Chesterfield Champions are continuing to showcase local business strength and ambition, with recent highlights including Franklin & Sons’ US expansion, SMH Group’s senior appointment, and Recon Electrical Wholesale celebrating 30 years in business.
Franklin & Sons appoints US master importer to drive growth
Franklin & Sons, part of Global Brands, has announced a new long-term partnership with Endurance Brands LLC, part of The Sheehan Family Companies, as its exclusive master importer for the United States.
The agreement marks a major step in the premium drinks brand’s US expansion plans, building on its presence in the market since 2020. With strong recent growth, the partnership is set to accelerate distribution and strengthen Franklin & Sons’ position in the premium mixer category.
Founded in 1886, the brand continues to build on its heritage, with volumes in the US increasing significantly over the past year and revenues now surpassing seven figures. The new partnership is expected to expand distribution from 13 states to 30 by the end of 2026, with a focus on key regions including the Midwest and West Coast.
As part of its growth strategy, Franklin & Sons is also expanding its US product range, including new flavours and formats designed to support wider distribution and reinforce its premium positioning.
Steve Perez, Founder of Global Brands, commented:
“When Franklin & Sons was founded 140 years ago, it was inspired by one of the founding brothers’ journey to America, where he encountered a very different drinks culture that helped shape the brand’s original spirit. Therefore, when we acquired the business in 2015, it felt only right that part of our long-term focus should be on taking the brand back to the US, where so much of that original inspiration began.”
Keith Beattie, International Sales Director at Global Brands, explained:
“This partnership is all about unlocking scale for Franklin & Sons. Over the past few years, we’ve laid a strong foundation in the US, establishing the brand’s credentials in the premium mixer space and building a loyal customer base.
“Endurance Brands LLC shares our vision, ambition, and belief in the brand. Together, we’re focused on building a national presence, increasing volumes through expanded distribution and visibility and accelerating Franklin & Sons’ journey towards becoming a true challenger brand.”
To find out more about Franklin & Sons, visit: franklinandsons.co.uk
SMH Group appoints Transformation Director
SMH Group has announced the permanent appointment of Yianni Liberopoulos as Transformation Director, further strengthening its leadership team as the business continues to grow.
Yianni brings over 15 years’ experience leading transformation and change programmes across a range of sectors, including professional services, finance, telecoms, government and healthcare. He has operated at executive and board level, with expertise spanning technology platforms, operating model change, and mergers and acquisitions.
He has recently played a key role in SMH Group’s merger with Mitchells, supporting the firm’s wider growth ambitions. His permanent appointment reflects both the success of that work and the Group’s focus on building a joined-up “One Firm” approach.
Commenting on his appointment, Yianni said:
“SMH Group is at a really exciting point in its journey. What stood out to me was the ambition to scale and integrate, while still protecting the strengths, relationships, and local identity of each business. There is a real opportunity to build something sustainable, joined up, and practical, and I am looking forward to helping shape that next phase.”
In his new role, Yianni will lead SMH Group’s transformation and integration strategy, including acquisitions, operational development and technology.
Jonathan Dickens, CEO of SMH Group, added:
“Yianni has already made a significant impact through his leadership of our recent integration work. His permanent appointment reflects the importance we place on execution, clarity, and doing things properly as we grow. He brings the right blend of strategic thinking and hands on delivery that aligns perfectly with how we operate as a Group.”
The appointment highlights SMH Group’s continued investment in leadership and capability to support its long-term growth.
For more information, visit: smh.group
Recon Electrical Wholesale celebrates 30 years
Recon Electrical Wholesale is marking an impressive 30 years in business. Founded in 1996, the company has grown from a small reconditioned lighting supplier into a trusted name in the electrical wholesale sector.
In 2000, Recon Electrical Wholesale expanded into a full-service electrical wholesaler, allowing it to better support electricians and trade professionals. Joining the Independent Buying Association in 2007 strengthened its ability to offer competitive pricing, while the appointment of Director Russell Gratton in 2012 helped drive further growth and development.
More recently, the business has invested in a larger, modernised trade counter, creating a welcoming space for customers to explore products and industry innovations.
Known for its strong focus on customer service, Recon continues to build lasting relationships with its customers. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the company is also hosting monthly in-store competitions, giving visitors the chance to test their skills and win prizes.
For more information, visit: reconelectrical.co.uk
Global Brands, SMH Group and Recon Electrical Wholesale are three of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network.
