One of Merseyside’s oldest family-run businesses is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Richmond Paper Supply Company marks 90 years of trading. Describes as “one of the biggest Merseyside businesses you’ve never heard of”, the company has been an integral part of the North West’s hospitality for almost a century.
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Based in Bootle, the company has grown from a small family enterprise founded in 1936 into an £8 million-turnover business supplying sustainable food packaging, catering disposables, cooking essentials and soft drinks to around 1,000 hospitality businesses across Liverpool, Merseyside and the wider North West. The amount of end users who have used their products is uncountable — but in the millions.
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Today, Richmond Paper Supply is led by Managing Director Chris Gavin, from Heswall, who represents the third generation of the Gavin family to continue the legacy established by his great-grandfather, Francis Gavin Senior – known to family, friends and customers simply as Frank. Still to this day, the business is very much a family affair.
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Founded during a period of economic uncertainty in pre-war Britain, Frank Senior built the business on strong family values, exceptional customer service and a commitment to supporting local businesses. Although Frank Senior passed away almost 40 years ago, his influence remains firmly embedded in the company’s culture.
“Richmond Paper Supply has always been about family, relationships and looking after our customers,” said Chris Gavin. “My great-grandfather started the business with a simple philosophy of providing quality products and service, and those values still guide everything we do today. We’re very proud to reach our 90th anniversary and grateful to our customers, suppliers and staff who have supported us over the decades.”
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His son, Frank Jnr, alongside his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Chris’ wife Caroline, continue to play an active role in driving the business forward. Now approaching his 80th birthday, Frank Jnr remains heavily involved in the company despite experiencing strokes and heart problems in recent years. His passion for the business has never faded.
Frank Jnr said: “It’s a great achievement to be still trading after 90 years. I have been involved in the family business for 65 years and I’ve seen so many changes. My father started the company with a horse and cart for deliveries but grew to become one of the largest hospitality suppliers in the North of England. Over the years the company has survived wars, recessions, Covid and all sorts, but we’re still going strong.”
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While many consumers may not recognise the Richmond Paper Supply name, they are likely to have encountered its products. The company supplies packaging to many of the region’s most popular takeaways, cafés, restaurants and hospitality venues. Its extensive range includes takeaway packaging, pizza boxes, burger packaging, coffee cups, catering disposables and sustainable foodservice products.
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Speaking of their continued success, Chris Gavin said: “We own our own warehouses and have a small team, which comes with many benefits. We have few overheads so can remain extremely competitive and people love that they get a very personal service. You’re getting a great price but at the same time can speak directly with the team and don’t have to get passed to different departments.”
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As the hospitality sector increasingly prioritises environmental responsibility, Richmond Paper Supply has positioned itself as a trusted eco-friendly packaging supplier. The business offers carefully selected recyclable, compostable and biodegradable packaging solutions made from paper, plant-based plastics and bagasse.
Its sustainable product range includes kraft paper food boxes, compostable coffee cups, paper straws and other environmentally responsible alternatives designed to balance performance with responsible sourcing. Many of Richmond’s clients pride themselves on sustainability and utilise the white label option to have their branding on the packaging.
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The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its product offering. Richmond Paper Supply actively supports local causes and community initiatives, including providing free packaging to the Paper Cup Company project, sponsoring major coffee festivals and collaborating with students at Liverpool John Moores University.
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For Chris and the wider Gavin family, the anniversary is not only an opportunity to celebrate the past, but also to look ahead. “Hospitality businesses are evolving quickly, and sustainability is more important than ever,” Chris added. “We’re continuing to invest in innovative products and build strong relationships with our customers so that Richmond Paper Supply remains a trusted partner for generations to come.”
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After 90 years in business, Richmond Paper Supply’s success story remains rooted in the same principles that inspired Frank Gavin Senior nearly a century ago: family values, community spirit and a dedication to helping local businesses thrive. With the hospitality industry under pressure more than ever, Richmond Paper Supply remains a dependable, great value and sustainable option for businesses.
Richmond Paper Supply / 1-3 Forge St, Bootle, L20 8JG / 0151 933 1000
