Mark Beckett leaves SOS Wholesale after 28 years

Mark Beckett, managing director of Derby-based SOS Wholesale, is leaving the business after 28 years.

Mark Beckett (second on right) with Steven Beckett (second on left), Sameer Rizvi of RDCP (right) and Roy Farmer of Dains (financial advisers for the RDCP acquisition).

Founded by Norman Beckett and his two sons Mark and Steven, SOS Wholesale was acquired by London-based investment firm RDCP Group in January 2022.

Mark and Steven Beckett decided two years ago to create a succession plan in order to facilitate their retirement, and the acquisition of SOS Wholesale by RDCP meant that Steven was able to retire immediately while Mark worked alongside trading director Vipin Patara for a period of time.

Patara will now take over Beckett’s duties.

Commenting on his departure from the business, Beckett said: “It’s time for me to put my laptop away and step away from SOS Wholesale. Anyone who knows me will know that my life has been SOS 24/7, 365 for 28 years!

“Time flies when you’re having fun, and I have loved every minute of it. I’m looking forward to exploring pastures new (somewhere warmer) with my lovely and patient wife, Cathy.”

Beckett added that he is proud of what has been achieved at SOS, and he highlighted three key achievements: “what Steven and I have created – we couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing team; RDCP – SOS Wholesale is now part of one of the UK’s fastest-growing private conglomerates; to hand over my reins to Vipin Patara.

“Vipin joined SOS five-and-a-half years ago and I’m not sure what I did without her before! I admire her tenacity, dynamic approach, personnel and negotiation skills – and she delivers what she says she will deliver. Best wishes to Sameer [Rizvi of RDCP], Vipin and the SOS family from me!”

SOS Wholesale employs 120 staff at its 70,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution centre in Derby and sales office in Barnsley. It supplies a range of 4,500 lines to customers in the UK, and also exports worldwide.