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 multi million pound 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 siblings Chris, Mike and Suzie, who represent the third generation of the Gavin family to continue the legacy established by their 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 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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Meanwhile, Frank Jnr continues to play an active role in the company. Approaching his 80th birthday, he remains heavily involved in the business despite experiencing strokes and heart problems in recent years. His passion for the business has never faded and he is passionate about the strong relationships he has with the customers.
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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, Mike Gavin said: “We own our 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. Customers get 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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After many years of relying on telephone and in-person orders, the business has recently launched its new e-commerce website. Also, 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.
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Suzie Gavin said: “Our 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 our customers pride themselves on sustainability and utilise the white label option to have their branding on the packaging.”
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Richmond Paper Supply has a small yet strong team of loyal staff — with an average of around 25 years of service. The company also works with Liverpool John Moore’s University in initiatives that support the students, business and greater region, to thrive. Young people have gained invaluable work experience and wholesale business insights during their placements.
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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 summarised. “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
