After conducting a thorough review process, including supplier meetings, price comparisons, and service evaluations, GF Tomlinson chose BSG as their preferred stationery supplier for both Derby offices.

The Challenge

GF Tomlinson had been managing stationery orders through a fragmented supplier base. Each office and department handled its own ordering, often comparing prices across several suppliers to save small amounts on individual items. While well-intentioned, this approach was inefficient, taking valuable time away from other tasks and offering no visibility of overall spend.

On top of that, their existing supplier relationships were becoming strained. Service and delivery standards were slipping, there was little to no communication or reporting, and account reviews were rare. The business wanted to consolidate suppliers, improve service levels, and introduce a more structured ordering and approval process.

Our Solution

BSG entered the tender process alongside several national competitors. From the start, our focus was on building a partnership, not just providing products. We took the time to visit GF Tomlinson in person, introducing the team to our systems, demonstrating our online ordering portal, and showcasing the reporting and account management services we provide to all our customers.

This personal approach made a strong impression. Combined with our competitive pricing and the trust already built through a previous working relationship with Account Manager Chris Sayles, GF Tomlinson knew they had found the right fit.

Following the tender, BSG was appointed as GF Tomlinson’s preferred stationery supplier across both Derby offices. The implementation included setting up a centralised online ordering system that allows multiple team members to place orders, with approvals routed to designated managers to maintain control.

Regular account management meetings are now in place to review spend, maintain competitive pricing, and identify potential efficiencies, something GF Tomlinson hadn’t experienced with previous suppliers.

The Results

The switch to BSG has brought clarity, control, and consistency to GF Tomlinson’s stationery procurement. Ordering is now centralised and structured, saving time for employees and ensuring only approved products are purchased. The business benefits from reliable deliveries, transparent reporting, and a dedicated account manager who provides proactive communication and ongoing support.

By choosing BSG, GF Tomlinson has gained a trusted partner who understands their business, values relationships, and delivers the service and attention to detail they were missing before.

What the Customer Says

“AT GF Tomlinson we recently conducted a review of our stationery suppliers, we had a fragmented supplier base which left colleagues in charge of day-to-day ordering chasing around 2 or 3 suppliers for the best price. This is an inefficient way of working as everyone has other things to be working on rather than worrying about saving a few pennies here and there.

We conducted the review by first seeing potential suppliers in the office to gain an understanding of what they can offer and what we were looking for in a supplier. We then sent out a list of our most purchased items for pricing, this was then reviewed.

During this process it became clear BSG where the right choice for GFT, I have worked with Chris previously and often say that this business is all about relationships and I knew I could trust Chris. This existing relationship was backed up with competitive pricing and in the end, it was an easy decision to make.

We have now implemented BSG across our two offices in Derby as our preferred supplier for stationery items, the systems in place mean multiple people can order with approvals being made by those with responsibility for decision making.

Regular account management is now in place which we did not have with any of our previous suppliers, this will ensure that prices remain competitive, and any potential efficiencies can be highlighted.

So far it has been a pleasure to work with Chris again and the team at BSG and we look forward to continuing to work closely together.”