Over £2million of Stock Available From Our Warehouse
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...
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.
The Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award was once again attained by Stephensons for 2019, reflecting our continued dedication to excellent customer service.
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.
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.
2018 marked the sesquicentennial anniversary of the founding of HG Stephenson Ltd. Stephensons returned to its original Barton Arcade home to celebrate in style.
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.
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.
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.
Testimonials
Don't take our word for it! Here's what our customers say:
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."
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."
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."
1860
The company's founder Henry George Stephenson moves to Manchester, where he begins selling pottery on the Salford Flat Iron Market.
1868
Henry moves into Manchester's newly built Barton Arcade, opening the first Stephensons store.
1900
The business is officially registered with Companies House as 'H.G. Stephenson Limited'.
1914
Business continues to thrive until the advent of the Great War which brought major recession and limited supplies.
1918
Henry dies leaving his sixth son, Ernest, to guide the business through the Great War.
1919
Miss Anne Smith joins Stephensons aged 19. Anne goes on to work for the company for 70 years, becoming the longest serving employee.
1939
Harold Stephenson, son of Ernest, is elected to the board.
1940
Stephensons halt retail operations after Barton Arcade suffers extensive damage during the first night of the 'Manchester Blitz'.
1945
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.
1966
Ernest retires at the age of 79, with his nephew Harold taking full control of the company.
1967
After 99 years at Barton Arcade, Stephensons moves to the Kennerley Works site in Stockport.
1970
Michael Stephenson, a fourth genration family member, becomes Managing Director.
1998
Julian Lewis-Booth, Michael's eldest son, joins Stephensons as Sales Director.
2005
Julian's brother, Henry, joins the business as Marketing Director, later becoming Managing Director.
2006
The Stephensons website is launched to propel the company into the 21st century.
2013
The Kennerley Works site is expanded to over 30,000 square feet.
2015
Stephensons acquire a 13,000 foot warehouse in Cheadle.
Today
Today, with over 150 years of proud history, the Stephenson’s story is still being written…
British Family Business
Over £2million of Stock
