Firm goes for growth and defies downturn

The D3 Office Group was founded in the late 1980s, with its focus on stationery and computer media.

But, since 2006, the company has shrugged off the economic downturn and expanded, and can now offer clients a "one-stop-shop" service, with new regional offices in Sherburn-in-Elmet.

With a foothold established further west in November last year, the company has continued to grow, moving the Sherburn staff to a new regional headquarters and adding the goodwill of Tim Stat, of Yeadon, earlier this summer.

However, both directors Martin Shaw and Richard Denley are keen to emphasise they're not on an aggressive empire-building crusade; the D3 Group's growth has been measured and planned "organically".

"Each acquisition has simply been a good fit," said Mr

Shaw. "Take our recent move at Sherburn, for example: we have been joined by some very talented people who have introduced us to some new aspects of the industry, a really sound knowledge of products and prices and some know-how when it comes to looking after clients.

"Any success we've had I would put down to being market-led. We're perhaps one of the biggest office supply companies in the region now and the acquisitions over recent years means we can offer our clients a one-stop shop – but you can still learn a lot about what people really want simply by listening.

"Of course, value for money is important – particularly at the moment – but if you can move with the market and respond to its needs, then word soon spreads."

D3 Office Supplies was founded by Richard Denley in 1988 but became a group following a merger with Peace and Taylor, 10 years later.

Mr Shaw joined the company in 2005 on director Christopher Shepherd's retirement, with expansion following a year later when D3 first acquired Euro Business Products in Hull.

The goodwill of Crescent Office Interiors followed last summer and then Boston Office Solutions of Sherburn-in-Elmet before the goodwill of Tim Stat of Yeadon was added to the group in May.

And Mr Denley believes there are grounds for continued optimism as the new coalition gets into its stride in Westminster.

"I'd agree there is an appetite for change, even if it means some pain to begin with," he said. "Our industry isn't immune from the current economic difficulties but we have a good brand base so we should be in a good position to weather the storm."

Both Mr Shaw and Mr Denley agree the office supplies industry can be something of a barometer for the economy.

In their experience, companies tend to be more extravagant in times of plenty, swerving away from the functional and more towards indulgences, even with simple office paraphernalia.

But, when the going gets tough, tastes tend to revert to the more mundane, reflecting trends in other markets such as the motor trade.

"It used to be desks," said Mr Shaw. "Everyone used to want something big, perhaps because computers used to take up so much space.

"But now – with much more emphasis on health and safety – the focus has switched to chairs. A lot of time and effort goes into making sure people are comfortable at their work stations, largely because it's in the company's interests – but there's still an element of hierarchy in there sometimes."

And, right now, Mr Denley adds they're seeing tentative signs of recovery.

"We've already had some companies looking to invest in front-of-house furniture and dcor. After all, if a reception area looks shabby and run down, it can have a detrimental impact on a company's image.

"If people are looking ahead and investing again, perhaps it's a good sign."

TIME LINE

1988: D3 Office Supplies founded on Malmo Road in Hull by Richard Denley.

1998: Merger with Chris Shepherd and Peace and Taylor to become D3 Office Group.

2005: Chris Shepherd retires and Martin Shaw buys into the company becoming joint managing director.

2006: Euro Business Products becomes part of the D3 Office Group, expanding the company's print and office furniture portfolio.

2009: The goodwill of Crescent Office Interiors is acquired following the company's closure in Hull.

2009: Boston Office Solutions becomes the latest company to join the group and staff are relocated to new offices on the Bypass Park Estate at Sherburn-in-Elmet, manning D3's newest regional branch from February this year.

2010: D3 acquires the goodwill of Yeadon-based Tim Stat.