CLIFTON BUYING GROUP LTD

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CLIFTON BUYING GROUP LTD

Clifton Buying Group works in partnership with over 2,000 businesses through a network of over 200 n

Clifton Buying Group was founded in Blackpool by CEO Edward Stephen Lawton in 2011. Edward knew that, in common with many industries, purchasing and supply solutions were moving in line with the challenging climate and economic change, this is now more relevant than ever before, especially with today’s European and Global financial backdrop and all the uncertainty it brings. As the pace of change has quickened, so Clifton Buying Group has evolved to provide supply solutions to the increasing number of companies turning towards central purchasing. It was Edwards vision to serve national accounts with a local supply chain, using local growers and artisan producers, with a strong emphasis on provenance, environmentally and sustainably responsible companies, which in turn would help reduce our clients carbon footprint and food miles travelled whilst keeping money and employment in the local economy. This approach is stronger now than ever with CBG’s clients benefiting from negotiated pricing through consolidated national buying power, whilst safe in the knowledge CBG is constantly keeping abreast of market forces, current and emerging trends and local issues all controlled and reported back to our client through one point of contact, dedicated to their business, ensuring they get the best out of Clifton Buying Group. Edward’s ethos is the relentless pursuit of excellence, service delivery and striving to drive that extra mile through the supply chain. Clifton Buying Group works in partnership with over 2,000 businesses through a network of over 200 national and local suppliers allowing our customers to make savings across all product categories thus enhancing their profits. Clifton Buying Group manage numerous clients purchasing over a diverse range of categories via local and national accredited suppliers providing full traceability and peace of mind for clients is all part of our service. By utilising Clifton Buying Group you benefit from a wide range of services and take advantage of the volume purchasing power we can achieve through our national and local supply chain. In building a purchasing package for a client, Clifton Buying Group will negotiate product procurement, delivery timelines, capped prices, market benchmarking, monitor global product trends and provide management information including invoice checking and monthly financial diagnostics. Clifton Buying Group is proud to be providing procurement solution services into some of the Countries leading blue chip companies along with many independent operators. Clifton Buying Group is the ideal solution and procurement partner for all sizes of businesses whether you are a small independent single site or a national operator. Excellent testimonials can be provided upon request from clients some of which are the leading names in the Care, Hotel, Hospitality and Leisure industries with a small selection also featured within this website who benefit from the services of Clifton Buying Group.

05/11/2026

Are British consumers choosing between saving money and treating themselves, with less room for anything in between?

According to the Bank of England’s latest business conditions report, hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses are seeing stronger performance at both ends of the market. Budget-friendly options are attracting price-conscious customers, while premium experiences are continuing to appeal to those willing to spend more. But businesses positioned somewhere in the middle are facing a tougher challenge.

It’s an interesting shift in consumer behaviour. Customers appear increasingly selective about where their money goes, whether they’re looking for the best possible value or an experience that feels worth paying extra for.
For businesses across the hospitality and leisure sectors, understanding what customers genuinely value could be more important than ever.

Here at Clifton Buying Group, we’re committed to helping businesses make the most of their purchasing power, whatever part of the market they serve.

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

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• BusinessInsights

03/11/2026

Could importing and exporting food between the UK and EU be about to get a whole lot easier?

A major development in UK-EU trade has emerged this week, with negotiators reportedly finalising the text of an agreement designed to remove many of the certificates and routine border checks currently required for food, animal and plant products. For British food producers, importers and exporters, this could mean less paperwork, fewer administrative costs and new opportunities to trade.

But what could this mean for businesses here in Britain? Smaller producers may find it easier to reach European customers, while commercial buyers could benefit from greater choice and more straightforward access to products. The changes aren’t immediate, with implementation now expected in early 2028, and businesses will still need to meet relevant food standards and customs requirements.

Here at Clifton Buying Group, we’ll be keeping a close eye on these developments and what they could mean for the businesses we support.

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

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Procurement

01/11/2026

Imagine developing a completely new food production process that becomes the foundation of your entire business. Would you patent it, or keep it a secret?

You might assume that patenting an invention is the safest way to protect it. But there’s an interesting catch.
To obtain a patent, you generally have to publicly disclose how your invention works.

In the UK, patents generally provide protection for a maximum of 20 years from the filing date. Annual renewal fees keep them active during that period, but cannot extend protection beyond it.

So what happens after those 20 years?
The invention generally becomes available for others to use.
That’s why some businesses choose a completely different approach: trade secrets.
Rather than publicly disclosing valuable information, they take steps to keep it confidential.
This could include a unique food recipe, a manufacturing process, a specialist technique or commercially valuable knowledge.
And unlike patents, trade secrets have no fixed expiry date. They can remain protected for as long as the information stays secret and meets the relevant legal requirements.

But there’s a risk.
If someone independently discovers the same process or legitimately works out how a product is made, trade secret protection generally won’t prevent them from using it.
A patent, on the other hand, can provide enforceable exclusive rights for a limited period.

For businesses across food production, manufacturing and other industries, choosing how to protect valuable knowledge can be an important commercial decision.

So which would you choose? Reveal your invention in exchange for up to 20 years of protection, or keep it secret and potentially protect it indefinitely?

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

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Manufacturing

29/10/2026

For most of us, checking a food label takes a few seconds. For businesses producing and serving food, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes.

From commercial kitchens and food manufacturers to schools, care homes and catering facilities, managing allergens is an essential part of everyday operations.
And it’s not simply about knowing which ingredients contain allergens.

What happens when a supplier changes a recipe? Or a regular ingredient suddenly becomes unavailable?
Even a seemingly straightforward substitution can introduce an allergen that wasn’t previously present.
That’s why accurate ingredient information, clear communication, staff training and procedures to prevent cross-contact are so important.

For businesses preparing hundreds or even thousands of meals, these checks are part of a much bigger responsibility.
And this is where good procurement plays an important role.

At Clifton Buying Group, we understand that choosing suppliers isn’t just about price and availability. Access to accurate product information, reliable communication and consistent supply all help businesses manage their purchasing responsibilities.
Because behind every meal served is a chain of decisions that customers may never see.

And when it comes to food allergens, the smallest details can make the biggest difference.

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

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FoodIndustry

27/10/2026

While most of us are heading home, thousands of people across Britain are just starting work.
They’re the people cleaning our offices, commercial kitchens, schools, healthcare facilities and public buildings, often without us ever seeing them.
And there’s far more involved than emptying bins and wiping down surfaces.

Commercial cleaning requires specialist equipment, appropriate cleaning products, strict hygiene procedures and careful planning.
So why does so much of it happen overnight?
Working outside normal operating hours allows cleaning teams to carry out essential tasks with fewer interruptions, ensuring buildings are safe, hygienic and ready for the following day.
But behind every clean workplace is another important consideration: having the right supplies available when they’re needed.
From cleaning chemicals and hygiene consumables to specialist equipment, these everyday essentials play a vital role in keeping businesses running.

At Clifton Buying Group, we help organisations review their purchasing requirements and access suitable supply options, supporting the work that happens behind the scenes.

Because some of Britain’s most important work happens when nobody’s watching.

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

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WorkplaceHygiene

25/10/2026

Would you rather have one customer responsible for 50% of your turnover, or ten smaller customers bringing in the same amount?
It’s an interesting dilemma, and there’s a strong argument for both.

The case for one big client.
A major contract can bring predictable income, regular orders and the confidence to invest in staff, equipment and expansion. Managing one relationship can also be considerably easier than juggling ten different customers.
But there’s a catch.
If that customer changes suppliers, cuts its spending or runs into financial difficulties, half your turnover could disappear almost overnight.
And the bigger the customer, the more negotiating power they may have over prices and payment terms.

The case for ten smaller clients.
Spreading your income across multiple customers means losing one is less likely to threaten the entire business. It can also open doors to different industries, new opportunities and a wider network of relationships.
But ten customers mean ten sets of expectations, invoices, enquiries and potentially ten different problems to solve!
Smaller contracts can also be less predictable, and servicing multiple accounts may cost more than managing one large relationship.

So which is better?
There’s no universal answer. Profitability, payment reliability, contract security and the cost of servicing each customer all matter.
Perhaps the strongest position is somewhere in the middle: enjoying the benefits of major contracts without becoming so dependent on one customer that losing them puts the entire business at risk.

For suppliers across hospitality, catering, care and other industries, it’s a balance worth considering.

Because the biggest customer isn’t always the most valuable one. And having more customers doesn’t automatically mean having a stronger business.

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

📞01253 601100
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RiskManagement

22/10/2026

When a major employer closes its doors, it’s not just the people working there who feel the impact.

Imagine a factory employing 300 people in a small British town suddenly announcing its closure.
That’s a lot of people facing uncertainty about incomes. But the effects can spread much further.

The café that serves their morning coffees and lunches could see fewer customers.
The local shops might notice people spending less as households tighten their budgets.
The suppliers and contractors who provide everything from cleaning services to equipment maintenance could lose a valuable customer.
The surrounding businesses may find themselves operating in a town with less money circulating through its local economy.

And then there’s the longer-term impact. Some families may move away to find work, while others could face lengthy commutes or struggle to find similar employment nearby.
Of course, towns can recover. New businesses open, premises find different uses and investment can create fresh opportunities.

But rebuilding an economy takes time, and replacing hundreds of jobs isn’t always straightforward.
It’s a reminder of just how interconnected British businesses really are.

At Clifton Buying Group, we understand the importance of strong business relationships and the role local and national suppliers play in supporting businesses across the UK.

Because when one major business disappears from a community, the impact rarely stops at its front door.

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

📞01253 601100
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SupportingLocalBusiness

20/10/2026

100,000 jobs for young people. That’s the ambition behind a major new hospitality initiative announced last week.

On 15 October, the Government and UKHospitality announced a partnership with some of Britain’s biggest hospitality employers, committing to create 100,000 paid job opportunities for young people aged 18–24 who are currently not in education, employment or training.
Big names including McDonald’s, Nando’s, Whitbread, Compass and Burger King are among the businesses involved.
And it’s about more than simply filling vacancies.

For many young people, hospitality provides that all-important first step into employment. A chance to build confidence, learn practical skills, work as part of a team and discover career opportunities they might never have considered.
The initiative will also support access to training, work experience and the Hospitality Skills Passport.

But making the pledge is only the beginning.
The real measure of success will be how many young people secure meaningful employment, receive proper support and have opportunities to progress.
For an industry that has long relied on young talent, investing in the next generation could make a real difference to its future.
At Clifton Buying Group, we’re proud to work alongside businesses across hospitality and catering, and it’s encouraging to see the sector coming together to create opportunities.

Because a first job can become so much more than a first job.

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

📞01253 601100
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FutureWorkforce

18/10/2026

Think about the last time you ordered something frozen or chilled. Did you consider how it got there?
Behind that product is an entire industry dedicated to keeping things at the right temperature.

Welcome to the world of cold-chain logistics.
From production to delivery, certain foods must remain at carefully controlled temperatures to stay fresh and safe.

And it’s not just food. Vaccines, medicines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies rely on these systems too.

So how does it work?
Refrigerated vehicles, temperature-controlled warehouses and monitoring systems keep products within their required temperature ranges.
And if something goes wrong?
A refrigeration failure or delayed delivery can mean spoiled products, wasted stock and serious safety concerns.
But there’s another side to the story.
Keeping products cold requires significant energy and specialist equipment. The challenge is reducing environmental impact without compromising safety.
And that’s where responsible sourcing matters.

At Clifton Buying Group, we value suppliers adopting energy-saving methods, from efficient refrigeration and smarter delivery routes to reducing food miles. We also champion local producers wherever practical, helping businesses make more sustainable purchasing decisions.

For hospitality, catering and care businesses, these temperature-controlled journeys happen every day, often without a second thought.

Because getting a product from A to B is one thing. Getting it there safely, efficiently and with the environment in mind is another.

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

📞01253 601100
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ColdChainLogistics

15/10/2026

Robots milking cows, machines picking crops and tractors navigating fields without a driver.

It sounds futuristic, but robotic farming is already a reality.
And while the technology has some remarkable advantages, it’s worth looking at both sides of the story.

The advantages?
Robots can take on repetitive, physically demanding tasks, helping farms manage labour shortages.
Precision technology can target individual weeds or crops, potentially reducing the use of chemicals and other resources.
Automated systems can operate for extended periods and collect valuable data about crop conditions and animal health.
But there are challenges too.
The initial investment can be substantial, particularly for smaller farms.
Robots require maintenance, technical expertise and reliable infrastructure.
Not every crop, field or farming task is suitable for automation, and the technology doesn’t eliminate the need for skilled people.
But there’s another consideration: what happens to traditional farming jobs?
Automation could reduce demand for some roles while creating opportunities for technicians, engineers and people with specialist digital skills.

So perhaps the future isn’t about robots replacing farmers. It’s about farmers having access to technology that helps them work more efficiently, while keeping their experience and judgement at the heart of agriculture.

For businesses relying on British food production, including those working with Clifton Buying Group, these developments are worth watching.

Technology is changing the future of farming. But for farms that simply can’t afford to invest in it, how do they keep up in an increasingly automated world?

cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk

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FutureOfFarming

Address

Clifton Buying Group, Unit 5, Ground Floor, St George's Court, Kirkham
Preston
PR42EF

Website

https://cliftonbuyinggroup.co.uk/

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