Our History
As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2026, we look back to the origins of the Claire Clifford story which began with our founder, a retired silent-film actress, known on screen as Claire Costello, whose entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Claire Clifford & Co. in the 1920s. What started with supplying pen nibs to the shipyards soon grew into something far larger, with Claire becoming one of the first Biro Bic dealers in the UK and setting the foundation for a business built on innovation, service and practicality.
Our very first office was located in Manchester's Victorian Barton Arcade Chambers, a vibrant commercial hub that housed an eclectic mix of small businesses at the time. It was within this bustling roaring 20s environment that Claire Clifford & Co. took its earliest steps, laying the groundwork for a century of growth, adaptation and commitment to quality.
Our current chapter in Hillington began in 2007, when we relocated from our premises on Laidlaw Street in Kinning Park to make way for the construction of the M74 extension. Before settling in Kinning Park, the company spent many years on Glasgow's Argyll Street, originally positioned right beside the city's historic tramlines - a reminder of our long-standing connection to Glasgow's evolving industrial landscape.
Since current owner Murdo Macleod took the reins on August 2005, we have expanded far beyond our original Office Products base. Today, we offer a comprehensive single-source procurement solution that spans Furniture, Print, Workwear & PPE, Secure Shredding, Catering, Tools, Office Supplies and Janitorial Supplies, reflecting our ongoing commitment to adaptability, service and growth.
This long-standing commitment to unparalleled service is exemplified by our dedicated team, led by General Manager Mark Docherty and Company Secretary Andrew Murie - both of whom have proudly served the company for 40 years.
Their leadership is supported by Assistant General Manager William Gallagher (30 years), Transport and Distribution lead James Gordon (17 years) and Business Development Manager Jean Kelly (13 years). Together, they embody the expertise, continuity and customer-first ethos that have shaped our reputation and ensure our service remains second to none.
Today, we are proud to be far more than a supplier - we are a trusted partner to a loyal client base across the UK, supporting organisations of every size, from ambitious SMEs to major corporate enterprises. With deep industry knowledge, a comprehensive product and service portfolio and a steadfast commitment to reliability, we continue to help our customers operate more efficiently, more sustainably and with complete confidence in the friendly support we provide.
We are Claire Clifford… Our story continues…