Protein Works was founded in 2012 by Mark Coxhead, Karl Jacobie, and Nick Smith.[1][2]
In the 2013/2014 season, Protein Works became the official sports nutrition supplier to Everton FC.[3][4]
In 2014, Protein Works was named New Business of the Year at the 2014 National Business Awards in London.[5][6]
In 2015, Protein Works was sold to Walgreens Boots Alliance. In 2018, Walgreens Boots Alliance began the process of selling Protein Works.[7] In 2019, the YFM Equity Partners backed the management buyout of Protein Works from B&B Investment Partners.[8][9]
In 2021, Protein Works launched a sister brand, Abnormal.io, offering a subscription box service that delivers personalised complete meal shakes to your door. Each meal contains the ideal amount of protein, fats and carbs.[10]
In 2023, Protein Works were recognised at the Growing Business Awards winning in the Santander Growing Business of the Year: Turnover £25m-45m category.[11] In the same year, Protein Works reported a turnover of £42.8m for the 12 months to August 31, 2023, up from £30.7m.[12]
In 2024, Laura Keir, CEO, was recognised as one of LDC's top 50 most ambitious leaders for 2024.[13][14][15] 2024 SME News named Protein Works as the Best Functional Food Brands.[16] The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BCVA) recognised Protein Works as "Leaders Driving Growth".[11]
Also in 2024, Protein Works announced its move to a new £10m vertically integrated headquarters, dubbed "PW Campus", in Liverpool City Region.[17][18][19]
In 2025, Protein Works announced that it had achieved annual sales revenue of £50 million.[20][21][22][23][24]