Leading independent distributor of sewing accessories and needlecrafts

• We stock one of the widest selections of products in the sector (more than 25,000 items), so we can offer more brands and more solutions to our customers
• In all areas of the market, we have distribution agreements with major, consumer-recognised brands – more than any other UK distributor
• Our products and suppliers are all carefully selected for quality, consistency, and reliability
• We buy from all over the world to give our customers the best products we can find – and every one of them at a competitive price
• We have an established and growing retail customer base of more than 2,000 active accounts, and we deal with everyone from the smallest to the biggest, from the traditional to the most fashionable
• Our experience of trading with multiple stores in our sector, such as the John Lewis Partnership and HobbyCraft is unrivalled
• We are the only UK member of the worldwide SMA group of independent distributors, enabling us to discuss and discover fashion trends in the retail market as soon as they appear

• Our stocks are all computer-controlled by our own exclusive system, ensuring maximum product availability every minute of the day – if we don’t have 97% of our products on the shelves we’re not happy!
• It’s simple to order from us – use our online store, our freephone ordering system, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), our representatives, telephone, fax, or e-mail
• We deliver within 24hrs by carrier, enabling customers to minimise stock levels knowing they can quickly and efficiently re-stock in confidence
• Customer orders are picked by trained staff using handheld scanners. This ensures accuracy, and eliminates errors
• Our nationwide network of professional representatives is available for advice at all times, and will visit customers to show new products, take orders, and provide regular and accurate merchandising
• Management personnel are always available to answer queries from all customers

The Groves + Banks Story…..so far

2009	PURElite range of lamps and magnifiers launched.
2009	Charlie’s Ark Needlecraft range launched.
2009	Opticon barcode scanner launched.
2009	100% in stock guarantee for Gütermann, Velcro and Vilene is introduced.
2007	New look Stitches exhibition stand.
2007	High profile launch of ‘Popcorn’ licensed needlecraft range.
2006	Major new needlecraft ranges introduced, including Dimensions, Vervaco and Vervaco Disney products.
2006	Gareth Pope appointed as Sales Director.
2005	New corporate logo and new catalogue design in preparation for continued growth and expansion.
2004	The Craft Factory brand launched.
2004	www.groves-banks.com wins DTI ecommerce award.
2003	Appointment of National and Key Accounts Manager enables the company to support multiple group sales more efficiently.
2002	www.groves-banks.com launched – an online store with one of the simplest re-ordering systems on the web.
2001	Groves+Banks nominated as a leading member of worldwide SMA group of independent distributors.
1997	Groves+Banks voted inaugural winner of the Creative Industries Association “Supplier of the Year” Award.
1997	New, custom-designed and built Distribution Centre (27,000 sq ft) opened in Long Crendon. Andrew Groves appointed as Managing Director.
1982	“Colin Banks Ltd.”, based in Redditch, purchased. Second warehouse of 8000 sq ft acquired. Company now trades as Groves+Banks.
1979	Warehouse capacity doubled again to 10,000 sq ft.
1974	Warehouse extended to 5000 sq ft.
1969	First Thame warehouse opened (2000 sq ft).
1966	Rodney and Marlene Groves establish “Groves of Thame”, a small family business operating from home.