Lanes Health appoint fourth generation of family as new Executive Chairman in ambitious growth plans

Family-owned business Lanes Health, known for such household brands as Olbas Oil, Jakemans and Kalms has announced a new Executive Chairman. Jonathan Groves will step into the role marking the fourth generation of the family to lead the business. 

The Gloucester-based company, founded in 1930, is well known in the natural health and wellbeing sector.

Jonathan has 20 years of experience within the company, starting out on the factory production line and working across different areas and roles within the business.

As the fourth generation, following in his mother’s, grandfather’s and great grandfather’s footsteps, Jonathan takes on the business at a time of continued growth and international expansion. 

Having traded internationally for over 40 years, Lanes Health is planning to expand into new international markets, but is determined to maintain the founding values of the company, with a real focus on creating products and acquiring brands which truly impact people’s lives for the better.  

Jonathan said: “Taking on such a prestigious role at the company is a real honour and I am hitting the ground running with a fantastic team alongside me. 

“Over the last 40 years, we have taken a considered and steady approach to growth with a targeted expansion plan that included developing current international markets and seeking new ones which has seen us achieve significant market share, and ever-increasing shelf space and position. 

“We believe that two key factors have supported this success, a strong product range that translates across international markets, and great relationships with customers which have been nurtured and grown by our passionate and dedicated sales team. On top of our extensive distribution in the UK market we also currently sell in a number of different international markets and continue to look for further opportunities across the globe.”

Lanes Health employs more than 170 people across the factory and offices in Gloucester. Jonathan said; “As we embark on our growth plans, it is important that the traditional family values have a place in the future of the company. We work hard to ensure everyone who works here feels part of the business and appreciated, and the senior team feel empowered, listened to and able to implement change that shapes the company.”

Futureproofing the business is top of Jonathan’s agenda and investment in sustainability and the company’s environmental impact is integral to Lanes Health longevity. With ongoing efforts to reduce carbon impact and be in line with 2030 national targets, the business has implemented several changes to move towards achieving this including changing suppliers, installing solar panels, re-evaluating production processes to reduce waste and save energy.

Jonathan added: “We are currently working with a company that has enabled us to put zero to landfill, everything is now either recycled or turned back into energy. The next focus is how the company can reduce carbon emissions linked to transport and a new project is also currently being created to utilise solar panels and hydrogen, with further details to come so watch this space.”