Celebrating 20 Years of Source Supplies: The Heart of Our Success - Our Team

As Source Supplies enters its 20th year, we’re kicking off a series of monthly blog posts to celebrate our journey. For January, we’re shining a spotlight on the backbone of our success - our incredible team.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Family

Source Supplies started as a light bulb moment for Dave Piper back in 2005. What began as a one-man operation has grown into a diverse and dedicated team of professionals who embody our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

The Founding Duo

Dave Piper, our Director, set the benchmark for customer service that defines Source Supplies today. His can-do attitude and deep understanding of the business make him the go-to person for both customers and staff.

Ollie Rastall joined forces with Dave in 2010, bringing big ideas for business growth. From cold calling in his bedroom while the company operated from a shipping container, Ollie has been instrumental in developing our customer base and positioning Source in the market.

Growth and Diversity

Over the years our team has expanded to include a wide range of talents and personalities, here's a few from each area of the business.

• Stu -  our dedicated Operations Manager, oversees every order with precision
• Ny - our longest-serving employee, keeps the office running smoothly as Accounts & Office Manager
• Byron - our laid-back but hardworking Source Hygiene Manager
• ‘Big D’ - promoted to Warehouse Manager in February 2024, showcasing our commitment to internal growth
• Debs - Our driver for Oxford deliveries, Debs is a great character who has super relationships with the colleges

Embracing Sustainability and Innovation

We pride ourselves on our curiosity for innovation and sustainability. If we can combine the two then even better! Ollie and Dave have great relationships with our supply chain which helps reduce our emissions whilst providing the best products for our customers.

Source HQ is powered in part by 81 solar panels and we run 5 electric vehicles in the business. Our new offices will be fitted out with preloved and up-cycled materials where possible. 

A Culture of Inclusivity and Support

At Source Supplies, we take pride in fostering a workplace that truly reflects the rich tapestry of our community. Our team is a vibrant mix of ages, backgrounds, and experiences, each contributing uniquely to our success.

From enthusiastic school students gaining valuable work experience to semi-retired professionals sharing their wealth of knowledge, we embrace the benefits of an intergenerational workforce. Our cultural diversity is equally celebrated, with team members hailing from various parts of the world, including Ghana, Poland and South Africa.

We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. This commitment is exemplified by team members like Adam, our driver who is deaf from birth. Adam’s exceptional lip-reading skills and use of sign language not only showcase his abilities but also enhance our communication with customers, demonstrating that diversity is our strength.

By cultivating an inclusive culture that values all voices and experiences, we’ve created a dynamic, innovative team that’s perfectly positioned to serve our diverse customer base and drive our company forward.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate 20 years, we’re not just looking back - we’re looking forward. Our team continues to grow and adapt, always with an eye on sustainability and innovation. Recent additions like Bea in administration and Aaron in assistant operations show our commitment to nurturing new talent.

We are also excited to be updating our infrastructure with an additional warehouse space and new office. This build will be complete by June 2025. Follow our progress on the blog!

Conclusion

From a shipping container to a leading supplier of sustainable cleaning and hygiene products, Source Supplies’ journey is a testament to the power of a great team. As we enter our 20th year, we’re more committed than ever to our people, our customers, and our planet.

Stay tuned for next month’s blog post, where we’ll explore another exciting aspect of Source Supplies’ 20-year journey!