All about Supplies Web
The company was formed in 2009, we had 2 briefcases and 2 mobile phones and a passion to do things better. Our simple mission was to provide the best elements of a local company married to the skills and expertise you find in larger corporate businesses.
The business grew rapidly from 2 home offices and £0 turnover to having 2 regional hubs, over 20 staff and over £3m turnover in 2023.
2018/19 was a pivotal year when we acquired Paperchain, a local competitor, and doubled the size of the company overnight. Whilst the scale was important, the shared ethos was the key to success of the acquisition. They shared our core value of “Customer first” and so the cultures and companies complemented each other.
Looking forward this customer centric ethos and our total commitment to continuous improvement drives the company’s success.
Growth and Achievements
Growth has come from several different areas in 2023. Traditional supplies have grown by the second £ largest amount in our categories, so OP isn’t dead yet…..with circa 10% growth.
Away from OP our Furniture and Interiors division will finish the year with 24% growth, Facilities Supplies is at 36% growth, Toner and Ink is at 23% growth and Beverage and Catering is at 27% growth.
Successful developing categories from 2022 that continue to perform well are Technology and Promotional products, both are in growth too.
We have developed valuable knowledge in several vertical markets, helping clients purchase more effectively and sustainably.
Helping our clients reduce vendor traffic and consolidate supplies, has driven growth in new categories, driving our partnership solution. We have also secured important projects, deploying our network of trades to provide service solutions e.g. Kitchen fitting, carpentry, decorating, flooring to name a few.
Successful Shortlisting
Neither of us [Grahame and Paul] are the type of people who like to shout about our achievements publicly, so we haven’t really focused on awards in the past. Having entered this year, and then subsequently being shortlisted, gives you time to reflect on how far we have come and what we have overcome.
The last few years have been really tough for everyone in our industry. Using the awards to celebrate everyone’s successes, and reflect on our own performance, feels positive for everyone involved.
Since it was announced that we were shortlisted lots of people have congratulated us and sent us messages etc, which is great.
We have the skills to hold our own in tenders, we plan to engage in more public sector opportunities, so being shortlisted and hopefully winning such a prestigious award, will strengthen our capabilities and reputation.
We would love to win this award!
Tell us more
The only additional point we would like to add is that the success of our company is a team effort, and we genuinely have a fantastic team. The company would not be where it is today without them!
We enormously value the partnerships we have with our clients, staff, suppliers and partners – it’s a team effort. We would love to celebrate this award, with everyone that has been on the journey so far and who will enjoy the next chapters with is, which will be bursting with energy and ambition!