100 YEARS ON AND STILL DELIVERING A STAR PERFORMANCE

We met up with Mark Docherty, Claire Clifford’s General Manager, to find out more about how the company began, how it has evolved, and why Hillington Park has been an important factor in its continuing success.

• The company has a very unexcepted beginning that many would be surprised at. Can you tell us a bit more?

It was founded a century ago by a retired silent-film actress called Claire Clifford.  She had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and spotted an opportunity and came up with a simple but smart idea which was supplying pen nibs to local shipyards. The business quickly grew and became one of the first Biro/BIC dealers in the UK.

• What was her original vision, and how has that evolved over time?

With it being so long ago I don’t know exactly what it was but given the ethos and values of the company that have been in place for a long time I would expect it to have been to provide essential products with reliability and good service, which is what the business is all about today too.

 Over time, we have evolved into a full-service, single-source procurement solution, helping customers streamline their operations across multiple categories, not just office supplies.

• And how would you describe those values today?

We’re built on reliability, honesty, and trust. As a smaller, independent business, we pride ourselves on offering a personal, flexible service backed by deep industry knowledge and long-standing relationships.

• How would you describe what your business does now and how much has it changed since you moved onto the estate?

Today, we’re a complete procurement partner. We provide everything from office supplies and furniture to workwear, PPE, print, catering, janitorial products, tools, water coolers and secure shredding services. Since moving we’ve expanded well beyond traditional office products to offer a truly comprehensive, single-source solution.

• After 100 years in business, what have been the key milestones and highlights?

There have been many, but a few stand out. Becoming one of the first Biro/BIC dealers in the UK was an important early achievement, followed by our expansion from writing instruments into a much broader office supplies offering.

 More recently, winning and maintaining contracts with large corporate organisations has been significant, alongside our ability to adapt and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive and fast-changing marketplace.

 We’ve picked up several prestigious industry awards over the years and were a founder member of the National Dealers Association buying group, now the BLOC buying group, which provides the support and buying power to deliver the high level of service our customers expect.

• How many staff do you employ?

We have 7 staff who bring decades of experience, loyalty, and consistency which means our customers have trusted us for generations. That combination has been the foundation of our success.

• And talking of customers, where are they based and what sectors are they in?

We serve customers across the UK, with the majority based in the Central Belt of Scotland. We’re also proud that a significant number are located here at Hillington Park! Our customer base spans a wide range of sectors, from SMEs to large corporate organisations, covering industries such as commercial, industrial and the public sector.

• What makes your business stand out in a competitive market?

One hundred years in business for starters, few companies today can say that! We are company you can rely on & trust. Our ability to combine buying power with a genuinely personal service. Customers get the benefits of a large supplier, with the responsiveness, flexibility, and care of a local business.

• What are your ambitions for the future of the company?

We want to continue growing sustainably, expanding our offering, and strengthening our position as a trusted, single-source supplier while maintaining the personal flexible service that defines us.

• When did you first move to Hillington Park?

We had a couple of locations before our move to Hillington Park in 2007. Our previous premises were on Laidlaw Street, Kinning Park but we had to move from there to make way for the construction of the M74 extension. Before that the company spent many years on Glasgow’s Argyle Street, originally positioned right beside the city’s historic tramlines.

• What have been the most significant changes on the estate since the first day you arrived?

It has continued to grow as a key commercial hub, with improved infrastructure, more businesses, and stronger transport links, making it an even more strategic location than when we first arrived.

•  We know lots of businesses base themselves here because of the location and links to transport networks for staff, customers and suppliers. Is that true for you too?

Yes. We choose Hillington Park due to its excellent transport links and strategic location. It allows us to efficiently serve customers locally and nationwide, while also supporting our logistics and distribution operations.