What Does Palmer & Harvey Do?

Total employees2500
HeadquartersHove
Founded1925

Palmer & Harvey McLane Limited (P&H) was a major British-based wholesaler, established in 1925. It specialized in supplying a wide range of products, including tobacco, confectionery, alcohol, and groceries, primarily to the convenience retail sector, independent shops, and forecourts across the United Kingdom. At its peak, P&H was the UK's largest delivered wholesaler, playing a critical role in the supply chain for tens of thousands of retailers. However, the company faced significant financial challenges, attributed to difficult trading conditions, changing market dynamics, and high debt levels. Despite various restructuring efforts and rescue talks, Palmer & Harvey entered administration in November 2017, leading to its eventual dissolution and the loss of thousands of jobs. Its collapse had a notable impact on the UK convenience store market and wholesale industry.

Where Is Palmer & Harvey's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The Hove headquarters served as the central administrative, strategic planning, and operational command center for Palmer & Harvey's nationwide distribution network.

Notable Features:

The headquarters likely housed key corporate functions including finance, human resources, IT, procurement, sales, and executive management. Specific architectural highlights are not widely publicized, but it would have been a significant corporate office.

Work Culture:

Prior to its financial difficulties, P&H, as a long-standing company, likely had a culture built on industry experience and logistical expertise. The period leading up to administration was undoubtedly stressful and uncertain for employees.

HQ Significance:

The Hove HQ was the nerve center for what was once the UK's largest tobacco and delivered goods wholesaler, coordinating a complex supply chain vital to many small and large retailers.

Values Reflected in HQ: Historically, the headquarters would have aimed to reflect efficiency, reliability, and extensive reach in the UK wholesale market.

Location:

Palmer & Harvey's operations were primarily concentrated within the United Kingdom. They operated a comprehensive national distribution network with numerous depots strategically located across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to serve their extensive customer base of around 90,000 retail outlets. There was no significant global operational presence beyond the UK.

Street Address:

Palmer & Harvey House, Davigdor Road

City:

Hove

State/Province:

East Sussex

Country:

United Kingdom

Where Else Does Palmer & Harvey Operate Around the World?

Dunfermline, Fife, UK

Address: Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, KY11 8UN (Example of a former depot)

To ensure efficient supply and timely deliveries to P&H customers across Scotland and parts of Northern England, managing local logistics and inventory.

Haydock, Merseyside, UK

Address: Haydock Industrial Estate, Haydock, WA11 9UX (Example of a former depot)

Facilitated the storage, picking, and distribution of goods to a dense network of retailers in the North West, ensuring product availability.

Coventry, West Midlands, UK

Address: Herald Avenue, Coventry Business Park, CV5 6UB (Example of a former depot)

To manage the supply chain for retailers in the Midlands, providing a broad range of products and ensuring consistent service.

Buying Intent Signals for Palmer & Harvey

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Palmer & Harvey? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Palmer & Harvey' leadership includes:

Tony Reed - Chief Executive Officer
Mark Leonard - Chief Financial Officer
Chris Etherington - Chairman

Who's Investing in Palmer & Harvey?

Palmer & Harvey has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

The Carlyle Group (Former majority owner)
Imperial Brands (Major creditor and former shareholder)
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) (Major creditor)
Management and Employee Trusts (Historically significant shareholders)

What Leadership Changes Has Palmer & Harvey Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits3

Palmer & Harvey entered administration in November 2017. In the 12 months leading up to this, the company was focused on financial restructuring and seeking a buyer, with less emphasis on new executive hires. The administration event itself marked the end of all executive roles.

Departures

Tony Reed, Role ceased upon Palmer & Harvey entering administration.
Mark Leonard, Role ceased upon Palmer & Harvey entering administration.
Chris Etherington, Role ceased upon Palmer & Harvey entering administration.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byPalmer & Harvey?

Discover the tools Palmer & Harvey uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Palmer & Harvey Email Formats and Examples

As Palmer & Harvey ceased operations in November 2017, its corporate email domain (e.g., palmerharvey.co.uk) is no longer active. Historically, common UK corporate email formats were likely used.

Likely formats included [first].[last]@palmerharvey.co.uk or [first_initial][last]@palmerharvey.co.uk

Format

example: john.doe@palmerharvey.co.uk (Hypothetical)

Example

0%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Palmer & Harvey?

BBC News • 28 November 2017

Palmer & Harvey: Thousands of jobs lost as wholesaler collapses

UK wholesale supplier Palmer & Harvey has collapsed into administration, leading to 2,500 immediate job losses. The firm, which supplied 90,000 outlets, appointed PwC as administrators after rescue talks failed....more

The Guardian • 28 November 2017

Palmer & Harvey collapse: 2,500 jobs lost as UK's biggest tobacco wholesaler fails

Palmer & Harvey, the UK’s biggest tobacco wholesaler and supplier to major supermarkets and corner shops, has collapsed into administration with the loss of 2,500 jobs. The 92-year-old firm appointed PwC as administrators after “challenging trading conditions” and a failure to secure a rescue deal....more

Financial Times • 29 November 2017

Palmer & Harvey collapse hits UK convenience stores

The collapse of Palmer & Harvey, one of the UK’s largest private companies, has sent shockwaves through the convenience store sector, threatening supplies to thousands of small shops....more

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