Completed sale
Proserve (UK)
For thousands of families across Devon, Proserve (UK) has long been part of the school-year routine.
Operating since 1997, the Exmouth-based business began by supplying sports equipment to schools and colleges before moving into school uniforms, teamwear, workwear, promotional clothing, printing and embroidery. Over time, it became a recognised supplier for dozens of schools, supporting around 15,000 children each year.
That gave Proserve a clear role in its local community. Once relationships were established with schools, parents and carers were directed to the company for their child’s uniform needs, while schools, clubs and businesses also relied on Proserve for branded clothing, sports equipment and workwear.
Its in-house garment decoration capability was central to the company’s appeal. Uniforms, teamwear and workwear can be customised with the appropriate logos, colours and styles, allowing Proserve to support both school uniform requirements and wider branding needs across the South West.
Proserve also developed beyond a traditional shop model. Its e-commerce website, launched in 2016, enabled online ordering for school uniforms and sports equipment, while its Exmouth premises brought together retail, stockroom, garment decoration, warehouse and storage space.
The company has continued to show its strength in the schoolwear market. Its leavers hoodies service increased from 14 schools in 2023 to 31 in 2024, while Proserve also won a competitive tender to supply uniform for a large school of over 1,500 students. Alongside its 4.7-star Google rating, word-of-mouth referrals and Schoolwear Association membership, these details helped demonstrate a well-established supplier with strong local standing.
Stephen Worth and Melanie Farrant brought Proserve to market to facilitate their retirement plans. Knightsbridge positioned the company around the qualities that made it stand out: recognised school relationships, recurring schoolwear demand, in-house customisation, e-commerce ordering and a trusted name built over many years.
The sale attracted more than 50 interested parties, with Commercial Executive Helen Bainbridge handling the transaction through to completion.
The buyer, Devon-based Familia Supra Omnia, was seeking to expand its current operation. With Proserve already established locally, the transaction provided a natural route for the company to continue serving schools, families, clubs and businesses across the region.
The sale allows Stephen and Melanie to move into retirement, while helping preserve a business that has become part of the schoolwear landscape in Exmouth and beyond.
The Knightsbridge team wishes Stephen and Melanie a very happy retirement, and every success to Familia Supra Omnia as it takes Proserve forward.