Rapide System Supplies was formed in 1984 by the then Managing Director, Charles Walker, and his wife Liz, as a management buyout from the multinational Dickinson Robinson Group.

The company started selling computer supplies, chiefly floppy discs, printer ribbons and computer paper. Changes in technology and diversification have led to the company to expand into selling office paper, printer cartridges, general stationery, office furniture, printing and office machines. Since 2014 we have moved heavily into tissue and cleaning products. This stood us in good stead when the Covid pandemic struck enabling us to help our customers protect themselves and their colleagues. These areas are now in the heart of the business.

Our customers are mainly businesses and the public sector, chiefly schools, colleges and councils, although we have a trade counter dealing with the general public. We operate on a national basis having customers across the UK although the bulk of our customers are serviced by our own vans and are within 90 miles of our base in Weston-super-Mare.

Good access to the motorway network is important to a distribution business like ours. Our proximity to junction 21 of the M5 is essential both for our deliveries to our customers as well as for our suppliers delivering bulk supplies to us by heavy goods vehicles.

In 2004 Rapide moved to our purpose built premises in Weston. We looked at moving elsewhere but stayed in Weston mainly due to the majority of our staff living in the town. They are highly trained and many have been with the company since it started. We do not have a high turnover of staff and have always been able to find people with the right skills. Our staff are trained mainly on the job but we also use the North Somerset Enterprise Agency for short term training.

Over the years we have made considerable investments in I.T. to lower our costs and give our customers a better service. In March 2022 we changed our main software system and this has enhanced our service to our customers. The use of the Internet with electronic ordering has revolutionised our business over the years and will continue to do so. We will continue to invest heavily in this area in the future.

In December 2008 we carried out our first acquisition, purchasing the commercial business of Mendip Office and Art, a stationery based business based in Congresbury. In February 2018 we carried out our second acquisition, purchasing the commercial business of Stationery Plus, a stationery and print based business in Westbury, Wiltshire. These acquisitions have been a great success as we welcomed their customers into Rapide.

In December 2022 we carried out our third acquisition, purchasing the commercial business of Stroud Office Supplies, a stationery based business in Stroud. This has gone well and we have grown good relationships with these new businesses.

Most recently in August 2024 we carried out our fourth acquisition, purchasing the commercial business of South West Office Supplies, a stationery based business near Barnstable. This has started well and we are looking forward to growing the relationships with these new businesses. We are continually looking for other suitable opportunities to expand in this way.

In 2022 Charles and Liz Walker are taking a back seat in the business. Charles has become Chairman of the company and his son Simon has taken over as Managing Director. Simon is ably assisted by his brother Andrew who is Operations Director. This transition ensures the future of Rapide for many years to come.

Simon Walker
Managing Director