A cosmetics brand based on Sheppey is set to join the London stock market this month in a move that could value the brand at as much as £500 million - and secure the future of the business and its employees on the Island.

Revolution Beauty was founded seven years ago by Tom Allsworth, a born and bred Islander, and Adam Minto.

Revolution, which uses social media influencers to market its products, is now sold in 11,000 shops globally, including Superdrug in the UK and has attracted fans including Khloe Kardashian.

It is also sold on its own website plus other sites such as Beauty Bay and ASOS, where it is ranked number one mass brand, and it has a substantial business in the US where it is sold in 3,000 Target and ULTA stores.

While colour cosmetics are manufactured at sites in Taiwan and China, Revolution's skincare and haircare products are made at Medichem in Queenborough, which has been on Sheppey for more than 25 years.

Medichem was, in fact, used as the base to launch Revolution in 2014.

Since then, Revolution's average annual revenues have almost doubled each year and, in the 14 months to February 28 this year, it recorded £157.6m in sales.

The firm, and Medichem, now have 400 staff across the two, 300 of which work on the Island.

As a result of the initial public offering on the junior AIM market, both Mr Allsworth and Mr Minto are forecast to receive a sizeable payout – as will TSG Consumer Partners, an American private equity company that purchased 48% of Revolution in 2017.

Speaking about the move, which would see investors buying and selling shares in the company, Mr Allsworth said: "Revolution Beauty has grown significantly since we started; it's been a roaring success and we are extremely lucky. It's gone from nothing to turning over £157m last year.

"A lot of money has been invested to get that growth, and to continue to grow the brand it needs more investment and the stock market provides that capital investment."

The 55-year-old added: "This will keep Revolution independent and away from the clutches of the bigger legacy brands, like L'Oréal, that tend to buy up businesses like ours.

"I am so excited about it and I think it's such a good thing for the Isle of Sheppey because it secures the business and employees' longer term futures."

Mr Allsworth and Mr Minto will, between them, retain a 30% stake in the business.

Revolution Beauty sells its cosmetics, all of which are certified cruelty-free, at affordable prices. For more, visit www.revolutionbeauty.com.

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