Profits up for quiet achiever

While very little is reported about this publicity-shy Glasgow chain, figures show a profitable company that has increased its turnover from

£34 million to £35 million in 2005.

Last year G101 broadened its focus to include convenience goods and services. It also invested in an advanced retail management system which resulted in quicker transactions. "We can now

determine more readily which products are becoming increasingly popular and also the changing tastes of our customers," says project manager Fred Charles.

G101 used to have a sole director,

the father of nightclub entrepreneur

Stefan King, but documents filed at Companies House show that the chain now has a three-strong board, which includes Cynthia King, George King and Natalie King.

Along with its shops, G101 supplies

alcohol to Stefan King's restaurant, bar and nightclub empire G1 Group.

With its hands-off approach to publicity, media coverage of the chain has been scant. Although the firm was unavailable for comment, it did admit in May 2004 that security costs and supermarket pricing policies had contributed to a profit slump of more than £1 million.

G101 Off Sales

Burnfield Industrial Estate, Burnfield Road, Glasgow G46 7TT    

0141 636 6999

Current size of estate: over 50 stores

Key personnel: directors George King, Natalie King, Cynthia King

Year founded: 1981

Number of employees: 355 (2005)

Turnover: £35 million to May 31 2005

Most recent pre-tax profit: £675,259 to May 31 2005