H.G. Stephenson Ltd are an independent distributor of crockery, glassware, cutlery and other tableware, based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England.
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More commonly known as 'Stephensons', the company is owned and run by the fifth generation of the family. Henry George Stephenson established Stephensons in 1860 when he rented a stall in Salford flat iron markets before moving into the newly built Barton Arcade. The company moved to Kennerley Works (Stockport) in 1967 after 99 years in Manchester.
In 2013, the company expanded their Stockport site by investing in neighbouring premises, previously occupied by Piggott & Whitfield Ltd, which saw the site grow to over 30,000 sq ft. In November 2015, Stephensons responded to online growth by acquiring a 13,500 sq.ft. warehouse to enhance buying power and customer service.
Catering Equipment
Stephensons stock an extensive range of catering and bar disposables, paper, cleaning, chemicals, crockery, cutlery, glassware, bar sundries, signage and display, clothing and kitchen equipment. Branded products include all key tableware and glassware manufactures such as Arc International, Artis, Churchill China, Dudson, Porcelite, Steelite, Utopia and Villeroy & Boch.
Customers (trade and public) are able to order by email, phone, online or in the cash and carry. Stephensons offer free delivery on all orders over £50 (ex vat, mainland UK).
History Timeline
1860- Henry George Stephenson moved to Manchester and sold pottery at the Salford Flat Iron Market.
1868- Henry moved into Manchester’s newly built Barton Arcade.
1900- The company registered with Companies House.
1914- Business continued to thrive until the advent of The Great War which brought major recession and limited supplies.
1918- Henry died leaving his sixth son, Ernest, to guide the business past The Great War.
1919- Miss Anne Smith joined Stephensons aged 14. Anne worked for the company for 70 years to become the longest serving employee.
1939- Harold Stephenson, son of Ernest, was elected to the board.
1943- Stephensons closed for the duration of World War II after a bombing raid severely damaged Barton Arcade.
1945- Barton Arcade reopened, although supplies of anything more than plain white earthenware and basic glass remained virtually impossible to find until the 1950s.
1966- Ernest retired at the age of 75 as Harold took full control of the company.
1967- After 99 years at Barton Arcade, Stephensons relocated to Kennerley Works in Stockport.
1970- Michael Stephenson became Managing Director in 1970.
1998- Julian Lewis-Booth, Michael’s eldest son, joined Stephensons as Sales Director.
2005- Julian’s brother, Henry, joined the business as Marketing Director and would later become Managing Director.
2006- The Stephensons website was launched to propel the company into the 21st century.
2013- The Kennerley Works site was expanded to over 30,000 square feet.
2015- Stephensons acquired a 13,500 square foot warehouse in Cheadle.
2017- Henry and Julian look forward to continuing the legacy of Stephensons for another year.
Location
Stephensons catering equipment suppliers are based in Stockport, near Manchester, where their premises incorporates a warehouse, cash and carry and showroom.
Further Information
Stephenson regularly update their blog with news and industry updates and also maintain Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook accounts.