The UK’s largest redistributor of surplus food, Company Shop, has appointed Irwin Mitchell as its lead legal adviser following a competitive pitch.
Founded by John Marren over 40 years ago, Company Shop is based in Barnsley and is responsible for stopping more than 30,000 tonnes of good food going to waste every year. It does so by redistributing surplus food through a national network of staff shops, standalone stores and ‘click and collect’ services to members that work in the food manufacturing industry and emergency services.
In December 2013, Company Shop launched the UK’s first social supermarket, Community Shop, with the aim of ensuring even more people in disadvantaged communities benefit from the model. Community Shop is a social enterprise which aims to not only redistribute surplus food, but also gives members access to professional, personal development programmes aimed at providing a positive change to their lives.
Irwin Mitchell will provide Company Shop and Community Shop with full legal support from across its business services team including corporate, commercial, employment and litigation.
James Berry, senior associate at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office, said: “Company Shop is ahead of the political agenda and leading the way in terms of tackling food waste and improving the way in which the food industry operates. To be appointed lead legal adviser by such a forward-thinking company is fantastic news and testament to the depth of our expertise in the food and manufacturing sector as well as our own approach to client care and social responsibility.”
Jane Marren, MD of Company Shop added: “We were impressed by the Irwin Mitchell team and how much work they had done to really understand our business. We look forward to working together over the coming years as Company Shop continues on its journey of growth.”
With headquarters in Sheffield and a network of national offices, Irwin Mitchell is a £250 million legal services business. It has a full legal services capability and includes a top-five rated private wealth legal team.
