A Stafford couple who have built up a successful business over two decades have decided to hand over to the next generation of their family.

Paul and Joanne Walters have been at the helm of Stafford Industrial Supplies, based on the town’s Astonfields Industrial Estate, since 2002. The company supplies branded workwear, personal protective equipment and cleaning and hygiene products to local and national businesses.

Paul and Joanne have handed day to day control to Jake Moyses and Kathryn Bayliss, although they will remain on the company board. Jake is Joanne’s son and Kathryn is his partner and both are Directors of Stafford Industrial Supplies.

“It’s a natural progression,” said Paul. “The ethos of the business, which has always focused on customer service excellence, remains. Kathryn and Jake have been key members of the team for some time and are well known to our regular customers. It is now time for them to take the reins, while we take more time for ourselves.”

Joanne said she and Paul had worked on a planned hand over of the business over time, adding, “after spending the last year in semi-retirement, we will be leaving the business on an operational basis from September, remaining on the Board of Directors, but leaving the day to day running of the business to the rest of the team. This has been carefully planned for, with new members of staff recruited and trained to ensure ongoing skills and competencies are maintained.

“Kathryn, who joined Stafford Industrial Supplies in 2019, will lead the team, adapting her role to include more operational aspects. Our newest member of staff, Donna, will take on the bulk of Kathryn’s sales administration role to make this possible.

“Dan will remain in his current role in our Decoration department, providing the same consistent, reliable, and quality decorations for all your printed and embroidered workwear. The recent acquisition of our state-of-the-art Roland printing machine has expanded our printing capabilities, as well as ensuring that we are constantly innovative and striving to improve our service to you, our valued customers.

“Jake has expanded his role to include management of quality systems and ISO9001, a role which is inextricably linked with his stock control and warehouse management responsibilities. Katy will remain in her role in accounts, ensuring the effective day to day management of sales and purchase ledger.”

Joanne said: “Together with Paul, I’m looking forward to retirement and we would like to thank all customers, suppliers and the Stafford business community for all your amazing support and friendship.”

ENDS

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