Finding the right washroom supplier

Time is money. It’s a well-used phrase, perhaps overused, but vitally important for small, busy firms when it comes to partnering with a paper supplier for their washroom.

The importance of choosing a trusted UK manufacturer who can supply the full range of quality products, backed by outstanding service and expertise cannot be overestimated. In order to efficiently run your washroom, it would be counterproductive to buy your toilet rolls from one place, hand towels from another and hygiene roll from somewhere else.

It’s a logistical challenge and trying to secure the best prices and co-ordinate deliveries can be a massive pain.

Choosing the best supplier doesn’t have to be complex though – here’s six reasons to partner with a single paper supplier.

1 Reduced costs

If you are a smaller operator, it can be a challenge to find a supplier that focuses on smaller distribution channels and has the flexibility to meet your needs with smaller pallets, rather than full containers. However, a partner that can cater for more modest demands can help you to save time and money on securing the products you need, without being committed to buy more than you want.

2 Minimise administration

Working with one paper provider vastly simplifies the purchasing process. Cutting out unnecessary administrative work saves time and allows you to focus on running your business.

3 Better support

Being able to place frequent, small orders is important, so you’ll want to find flexible suppliers that can support you by responding quickly.  Your paper requirements may change from month to month too, so it’s useful to have an agile supplier on board that can adapt to meet your evolving needs. 

Focusing specifically on the smaller distributors, Midlands Paper Products can cater for smaller orders, typically supplying two mixed pallets, with a quick turnaround of around three to six days. Furthermore, we are also part of the Northwood Group of Companies, and this means that we can source additional product from within the group if we can’t manufacture the volumes required by a particular customer.

4 Higher quality products

Quality can vary enormously in this sector and it can be harder than you think to find a partner that’s able to supply on time and in full at a competitive price. Similarly, the consistency of the products themselves is really important, so look for suppliers that are CHSA accredited which gives assurance on quality.

We source all our paper from Northwood paper mills, which means we never have to shop around for paper, so we can reassure customers that the quality will always be consistent.

5 Greater speed

Choosing a UK based manufacturer can help to speed up lead times significantly because goods don’t have to be imported. It’s less carbon heavy too. 

Midlands Paper is able to minimise the miles goods need to travel because our raw material supply, manufacturing, end user product converting, storage and transportation is all UK managed.

6 They help you be more sustainable

Washrooms need to be run as sustainably as possible and collaborating with an environmentally-conscious provider can help you achieve this. Look for suppliers that use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certified base sheet paper and have products made from recycled content. Similarly, take a look at their packaging and how they are reducing the amount of plastic they use. 

Finding a paper supplier can be challenging for smaller operators, particularly in the current economic climate. One that’s easy to work with and will give you the best value and service will ultimately be the best for your business. 

Martin Kent is commercial manager at Midland Paper Products 

For more information, visit www.midlandpaper.co.uk