Building on our core strengths
Our core strengths and competitive advantage create a compelling proposition capable of delivering long-term value for all stakeholders.
Our key inputs
Colleagues
- Approximately 3,600 colleagues who are all key to the success of our business.
- Loyal and dedicated.
- Highly engaged.
- Ranked as one of the Best Very Big Places to Work for by The Sunday Times reflecting excellent levels of colleague engagement.
- Recognised by The Financial Times as one of the ‘UK’s Best Employers’.
Brand value
- Time Well Spent supports our mission to become the favourite destination for affordable, screen-free activities for the whole family.
- Exclusive own brands developed in house.
- Clear purpose, focused on inspiring reading, learning, creativity and play.
Suppliers
- Located in the UK, Europe and Asia.
- Strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
- Annual supplier conference.
Infrastructure
- Store network.
- Centrally located Support and Distribution Centre.
- IT infrastructure and systems – investing to ensure scale, efficiency and security.
Our proposition and how we create value
Our competitive advantage
- Highly relevant brand purpose
- Screen-free activities
- Great value
- Customer focused
- Family friendly
- Extensive store network
- Fantastic ranges
Design and innovate
- Identify and bring desirable and on-trend products to the UK market.
- Unique own-brand products developed by in-house design studio and buying teams in conjunction with suppliers.
- New product lines launched throughout the year.
- Four specialist categories: Books, Toys and Games, Arts and Crafts and Stationery complemented by seasonal offerings.
13
own brands
5,030
new product lines introduced in FY26
Source and distribute
- Experienced buying team sources and curates product ranges, including popular brands to complement own-brand offer.
- Relationships with approximately 200 suppliers.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure product safety and quality control.
- Warehousing and store distribution undertaken from 157,000 sq ft facility in Coleshill, Birmingham.
c.200
stock suppliers
157,000
sq ft retail warehousing and distribution facility
Focused high street retail model
- Diverse store estate including high streets, shopping centres, retail parks, factory outlets and garden centres.
- Significant opportunities for further store estate expansion.
508
stores in the UK and Ireland
Our competitive advantage
- Highly relevant brand purpose
- Screen-free activities
- Great value
- Customer focused
- Family friendly
- Extensive store network
- Fantastic ranges
Design and innovate
- Identify and bring desirable and on-trend products to the UK market.
- Unique own-brand products developed by in-house design studio and buying teams in conjunction with suppliers.
- New product lines launched throughout the year.
- Four specialist categories: Books, Toys and Games, Arts and Crafts and Stationery complemented by seasonal offerings.
13
own brands
5,030
new product lines introduced in FY26
Source and distribute
- Experienced buying team sources and curates product ranges, including popular brands to complement own-brand offer.
- Relationships with approximately 200 suppliers.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure product safety and quality control.
- Warehousing and store distribution undertaken from 157,000 sq ft facility in Coleshill, Birmingham.
c.200
stock suppliers
157,000
sq ft retail warehousing and distribution facility
Focused high street retail model
- Diverse store estate including high streets, shopping centres, retail parks, factory outlets and garden centres.
- Significant opportunities for further store estate expansion.
508
stores in the UK and Ireland
The value we create
Our customers
Buy our products.
What matters to them
- Wide variety of great products.
- Inspirational ideas and solutions for screen-free alternatives.
- Good value and quality.
- Customer experience.
- Reliable and convenient service.
Our communities
We care about giving something back.
What matters to them
- Employment opportunities.
- Positive social impact.
- Sustainable operations.
£72k
funds raised in FY26 for Mind, SAMH, Inspire and the National Literacy Trust. Many other local charities supported at store level.
Our shareholders
Seek returns on their investment.
What matters to them
- Clear and ambitious strategy.
- Competent execution of strategy.
- Good governance.
- Sustainable and growing returns.
- Regular, clear and transparent communication.
- ESG performance.
Our colleagues
Enable us to fulfil our purpose and deliver our strategy.
What matters to them
- Safe, healthy and good working environment that cares about the wellbeing of colleagues.
- Fair rewards.
- Engaging and inspiring place to work.
- Focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Being part of a company that has a clear purpose and values that resonate.
- Development opportunities.
3,600
colleagues
Our suppliers
Support our sourcing and distribution activities.
What matters to them
- Long-term, collaborative partnerships.
- Fair and transparent treatment.
- Timely payment in line with agreed terms.
- Responsible and ethical business practices.
220
suppliers
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