"We could grow this business into a national merchant," said managing director Graham Griffiths.

He added that the independent paper merchant is on course to achieve its business goals, having already nearly doubled turnover to 50m just over a year since he acquired the company.

A new Dartford branch will open in early September, with warehouse space of 1,579 sq m.

This will bring the total number of branches to nine, with operations in Leeds and Bolton already added since the acquisition last year.

As part of its plans for growth the firm has also released details of an employee share ownership scheme, with 30% of the company's shares now in the hands of its employees.

"We felt it was time that the employees felt they were part of the business as well," said Griffiths.

Although he emphasised that no one "would become a millionaire" on the sums involved, everyone from warehouse personnel to drivers will have a stakeholding.

A training scheme for succession planning has also been put in place, to ensure that a line of succession is in place at most levels.
Beswick Paper employs 169 staff with a turnover of 50m and some 4,000 customers.

Story by Andy Scott