UK Family Business British Family Business
Established 1868

Catering Equipment Supplier Showroom Over £2million of Stock
Available From Our Warehouse

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About Us

Stephensons are a fifth generation, family run business that has been setting the standard for how catering suppliers should operate since 1868. With innovation and integrity as core values, we’ve become recognised as an industry leader for all of your catering equipment, disposable and tableware needs. 

At our modern site in Stockport Greater Manchester, we boast the North’s largest cash and carry showroom, our own fleet of vans and a dedicated sales team. It’s these combining factors that help us to provide a rounded and efficient service from order to delivery.

Our extensive customer base is built up of restaurants, pubs and hotels as well as the education and public sector. Accordingly, our catering equipment selection has everything from essential to innovative.

 


Awards & Honours

For everyone here at Stephenson's, this industry is our passion.
Therefore, it's extremely humbling and inspiring when our efforts are recognised.

Here are a few recent accolades that we are particularly proud of...


MEN Business Award Winners; Business of the Year (£10-25m Turnover)

Stephensons were honoured and humbled to be named Business of the Year in the £10-25m Turnover Category at the 2018 Manchester Evening News Business Awards.

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FPA Awards 2018; Winners of Regional Distributor of the Year

In 2018, Stephensons were delighted to be receive the Regional Distributor of the Year title at the annual Food Packaging Association Awards.


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Stephensons once again attained Feefo Gold Trusted Service accreditation

The Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award was once again attained by Stephensons for 2019, reflecting our continued dedication to excellent customer service.

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Regional Winners at the 2019 Chambers of Commerce Business Awards

As a company that prides itself on family values, Stephensons were thrilled to be named as the North West's Family Business of the Year by the British Chamber Awards.



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Stockport Business Awards Family Business of the Year 2019

Since moving to Stockport in 1967, Stephensons have been proud to be part of such a fantastic community. To be recognised as Family Business of the Year by the town we call home was something very special.

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1868 - 2018: 150 Years Inspiring the Caterer

2018 marked the sesquicentennial anniversary of the founding of HG Stephenson Ltd.
Stephensons returned to its original Barton Arcade home to celebrate in style.

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The Stephenson family celebrate the historic 150th anniversary of the company


Field Sales Team

Based in key locations across the North and beyond, our Territory Managers are committed to supporting
their localities with expert knowledge, comprehensive solutions and a personal service.

Whether it's a new opening or just a napkin colour change, our reps will help you every step of the way.

The Stephensons Field Sales Team




Customer Service Team

For every hour that we're operating, we have a dedicated internal customer service team
on 
hand to help you online or over the phone.

Our team will be happy to assist with orders, deliveries and any enquiries or advice you may require.
 

Stephenson's dedicated Customer Service Team

Delivery Fleet

We are proud to have a dedicated fleet of vans servicing the North West with daily deliveries.

Our experienced drivers ensure that local orders are handled with care and attention.
Equally, our dependable courier service provides a fast and efficient network across the rest of the country.

With this reliable system, we endeavour to get any 'in-stock' items ordered before 3pm to you the very next day.

Stephensons maintain a dedicated fleet of delivery vans



Testimonials

Don't take our word for it! Here's what our customers say:


Simon Wood of Wood Manchester

Simon Wood
Executive Chef & Owner


"Since I opened my first establishment in 2017, Stephenson's have been a reliable and supportive supplier that have helped us thrive. We've built a personal relationship with our area manager and this has facilitated important aspects of operating - such as sourcing products and last minute deliveries.

The relationship has been so efficient that we worked with Stephenson's for our opening of Woodkraft in Cheltenham, as well as our 2019 collaboration with Hotel Indigo in Chester."

University of Derby, Buxton Campus

Richard Greensmith
Operations Manager


"Over these past 4 years, Stephenson's have been a valuable, reliable and supportive partner in sourcing and supplying suitable equipment for all of the University outlets, including the 900 capacity Devonshire Dome area.

I would definitely recommend working with Stephenson's for their ability to support and supply any catering activity you may need to engage in."

J.W. Lees; Independent Family Brewers

Anson Bolton
Food Development Manager


"We've used Stephenson's for a number of years. Their service is very professional throughout; from the drivers through to the customer service team, nothing is too much trouble. Our Account Manager is always on hand and has been a fantastic support during several new openings over the past few years.

I also find Stephenson's to be at the forefront of innovation which assists us as we continue to develop our brands."


  1. 1860

    1860 - Stephensons Stall at Salford Flat Iron Markets

    The company's founder Henry George Stephenson moves to Manchester, where he begins selling pottery on the Salford Flat Iron Market.

  2. 1868

    1868 - Stephensons moved into Barton Arcade

    Henry moves into Manchester's newly built Barton Arcade, opening the first Stephensons store.

  3. 1900

    1900 - Stephensons Company Seal from Companies House

    The business is officially registered with Companies House as 'H.G. Stephenson Limited'.

  4. 1914

    1914 - Stephensons continue to work during the Great War

    Business continues to thrive until the advent of the Great War which brought major recession and limited supplies.

  5. 1918

    1918 - Ernest Stephenson Passes Away

    Henry dies leaving his sixth son, Ernest, to guide the business through the Great War.

  6. 1919

    1919 - Stephensons Longest serving employee

    Miss Anne Smith joins Stephensons aged 19. Anne goes on to work for the company for 70 years, becoming the longest serving employee.

  7. 1939

    1939 - Harold Stephenson joins the Board

    Harold Stephenson, son of Ernest, is elected to the board.

  8. 1940

    1940 - Barton Arcade damaged during the war

    Stephensons halt retail operations after Barton Arcade suffers extensive damage during the first night of the 'Manchester Blitz'.

  9. 1945

    1945 - Barton Arcade reopens after the war

    Barton Arcade reopens fully after the war, although supplies of anything more than plain white earthenware and basic glass remained virtually impossible to find until the 1970's.

  10. 1966

    1966 - Harold Stephenson takes over the Stephensons Business

    Ernest retires at the age of 79, with his nephew Harold taking full control of the company.

  11. 1967

    1967 - Stephensons move to Stockport

    After 99 years at Barton Arcade, Stephensons moves to the Kennerley Works site in Stockport.

  12. 1970

    1970 - Michael Stephenson, 4th Generation Family member

    Michael Stephenson, a fourth genration family member, becomes Managing Director.

  13. 1998

    1998 - Julian Lewis-Booth - 5th Family Generation Stockport

    Julian Lewis-Booth, Michael's eldest son, joins Stephensons as Sales Director.

  14. 2005

    2005 - 5th Generation Family Member - Stockport

    Julian's brother, Henry, joins the business as Marketing Director, later becoming Managing Director.

  15. 2006

    2006 - Stephensons new website launched

    The Stephensons website is launched to propel the company into the 21st century.

  16. 2013

    2013 - Stephensons expand in Stockport

    The Kennerley Works site is expanded to over 30,000 square feet.

  17. 2015

    2015 - Stephensons expand in Cheadle with warehouse

    Stephensons acquire a 13,000 foot warehouse in Cheadle.

  18. Today

    2023 - Stephensons Catering Equipment

    Today, with over 150 years of proud history, the Stephenson’s story is still being written…