20 years running Write Here Ltd, a shop in Shrewsbury

Bartrums was established in 2013 and has flourished ever since both in our bricks and mortar shop and with our online sales. We pride ourselves on good old fashioned customer service.

Having worked forty years selling Stationery and Pens with WH Smith and the last six years in my own Stationery Shop business in the Historic town of Somerton, it would be fair to say I have seen many different trends over years. 

I took the plunge to open another shop in Clevedon November 2021 and followed up with a third store in Wrington, North Somerset last year.

Martha is the founder and CEO of award-winning stationery brand Martha Brook. After her own experiences growing a business, she now helps and advises other entrepreneurs and start-ups. She is an Ambassador for the British Library Business & IP Centre and in 2024 founded Business Secrets Club. Last year she won the Great Britain's Consumer Businesswoman of the Year.

Managing Director of Cardgains - the buying group supporting independent retailers.

A retailer since 14, I tried office work and it didn't suit me. I enjoy the face to face interaction of working with real people.

Before Stationery, I was a Bookseller with some big name stores.

But eventually find myself with my own Stationery High Street shop at the end of the Met. line. Its a great place to be.

I have worked in retail for the majority of my working life, alternating between that and hospitality. In my role of Assistant Manager at Warrens, I help with purchasing products and help choose new products and suppliers to sell in the shop. Being passionate about a product and knowing how it works, helps to sell the product onto our customers.

Sarah Laker's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and community spirit. Leaving behind a career in nursing to pursue her love for stationery, she opened her first shop in Marple over 18 years ago, despite lacking retail experience. In 2020, amidst the pandemic, Sarah acquired a second stationery business, driven by a desire to provide a supportive environment for her daughter's mental health. Her leadership in National Stationery Week united the stationery industry, showcasing her strategic acumen.

Throughout the pandemic, Sarah advocated for independent stationery retailers, earning media recognition across prominent UK platforms. Her community engagement extends beyond her shops, with support for local events and fundraising initiatives. She fosters camaraderie among independent retailers through a dedicated social group.

Sarah's commitment to community and advocacy has garnered accolades, including three Boss Awards for Independent Retailer and recognition for her charitable work. She stands as a beacon of resilience, vision, and community spirit, demonstrating the transformative power of passion and collaboration in the business landscape.

I have been working at the London Graphic Centre for almost 25 years.  I started on the shop floor and worked my way up to the Purchasing Department, becoming the Purchasing Manager in 2005.  I am responsible for the full product mix at LGC, the main categories being art materials, stationery and lifestyle.  We have been steadily growing our design led and Japanese stationery ranges which has led to LGC becoming a destination store in recent years.