INVESTMENTS
Arran Aromatics
Arran Aromatics is a luxury cosmetics business, making bath, body and beauty products by hand from its home on the iconic Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The business was founded by Janet Russell and her husband Iain in the kitchen of their cottage on the Isle of Arran in 1989. Since then, it has grown to be one of the best-loved brands in Scotland employing over 60 people. The business retains a strong family ethos and we are delighted that members of the Russell family continue with the business to this day.
THE SOLUTION
Upon acquiring the business in March 2017, Endless strengthened the senior team with the appointment of a Chairman, Mark Pacitti, who brought 30+ years of experience in corporate finance and consumer products, previously Corporate Finance Global Leader at Deloitte. We also appointed a highly experienced Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Meechan, with a strong background in growing FMCG brands, previously holding senior roles at Whyte & Mackay and AG Barr plc. Management and Endless’ initial focus was on reinvigorating the business, exiting loss making stores and hotel amenities contracts to refocus on Arran’s core proposition as a luxury Scottish brand.
Following the stabilisation of Arran’s core operation, the business has developed into a true multi-channel retailer and distributor, with a strong D2C proposition across both e-commerce and retail as well as a growing wholesale business into retailers and hotels. These channels leverage Arran’s high quality in-house product development capabilities which include on-site capabilities for new product development, manufacturing and quality control.
With Endless’ support the business invested in establishing innovative new ranges which are 100% vegan, cruelty free and uses up to 99.9% ingredients of natural origin. Packaged in recycled cardboard boxes, recycled aluminium or 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) material from diverted ocean plastic, the business has eliminated the use of virgin plastic.
Arran also developed partnerships with key hospitality brands such as Virgin, Malmasion, Caledonian Sleeper and Cheval to transition to refillable amenities to eliminate single use plastics in all rooms.
THE IMPACT
In February 2025, Arran was acquired by Arran’s senior leadership team including members of the founding family, Andrew and Duncan Russell. The transaction sees the business return to Scottish ownership and ensures manufacturing remains on the Isle of Arran, continuing the business’ role as a key employer on the island.
