Our History
As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2026, we reflect on the origins of the Claire Clifford story. It began in the 1920s with our founder, a retired silent-film actress known on screen as Claire Costello. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Claire Clifford & Co., initially supplying pen nibs to the shipyards. What started small quickly grew into something far greater, with Claire becoming one of the first Biro Bic dealers in the UK—laying 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 home to an eclectic mix of independent businesses. It was within this bustling “Roaring Twenties” environment that Claire Clifford & Co. took its earliest steps, setting the tone for a century defined by growth, adaptability and a commitment to quality.
A Century of Leadership
Founded in the 1920s by Claire Costello, Claire Clifford & Co. began as a small but ambitious venture supplying pen nibs to local shipyards. Claire’s entrepreneurial vision and forward-thinking approach saw the business grow rapidly, including becoming one of the first Biro Bic dealers in the UK—establishing a culture of innovation and service that still defines us today.
In 1974, Eric Pomphrey took ownership of the business and became a central figure in shaping its future. Leading Claire Clifford through a challenging and evolving marketplace, he demonstrated resilience, determination and a deep personal commitment to its success. Over the following years, he worked tirelessly to strengthen and grow the company, ensuring its stability and competitiveness until its successful sale in the early 1990s.
Following this transition, Frances DeJongh and Robert Furness assumed ownership, guiding the business through its next stage of development. Building on the strong foundations laid before them, they maintained the company’s commitment to service, reliability and long-standing customer relationships, while carefully evolving the business in line with a changing market. Their stewardship provided an important bridge between generations, preserving the company’s core values while preparing it for the future.
A new era began in August 2005, when current owner Murdo Macleod took the reins. Under his leadership, Claire Clifford has expanded far beyond its traditional office products roots into a comprehensive, single-source procurement partner. This evolution reflects a continued commitment to adaptability, growth and delivering exceptional service to our customers.
Our journey in Glasgow has been just as significant. The company spent many years on Argyll Street, originally positioned alongside the city’s historic tramlines—an enduring symbol of our connection to Glasgow’s industrial heritage. We later moved to Laidlaw Street in Kinning Park, before relocating to our current home in Hillington in 2007 to accommodate the construction of the M74 extension.
This commitment is brought to life by our experienced and dedicated team. General Manager Mark Docherty and Company Secretary Andrew Murie have each proudly served the business for 40 years, offering invaluable continuity and expertise. They are 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 knowledge, stability and customer-first ethos that define our company.
Today, we are proud to be far more than a supplier—we are a trusted partner to a loyal client base across the UK. From ambitious SMEs to major corporate organisations, we support businesses of all sizes with deep industry knowledge, a comprehensive product range and an unwavering commitment to reliability.
We are Claire Clifford.
Our story continues.