Modern Slavery Statement
As evo Group celebrates its 240th anniversary, we’re looking back at Banner’s history, exploring the milestones, people and moments that have shaped our business and enabled us to become the UK’s largest workplace solutions provider.
While the world of work has changed dramatically over the years, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to helping customers create better working environments. From our origins supplying stationery and print-related products to government organisations, to the comprehensive workplace solutions we provide today, Banner has continually evolved to respond to customer needs.
Our Origins and Growth
Banner’s origins can be traced back to His Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO), which was founded in 1786. Originally established to provide print-related supplies for government offices across the country, HMSO quickly became an important supplier to the public sector.
A year later, HMSO was supplying eleven government agencies, as well as the House of Lords and House of Commons, establishing a long history of supporting organisations with the products they need to operate effectively.
Almost 200 years later in 1970, David Heap founded ISA International. In 1986 that business was divided into three entities, including Office Supplies Team.
When HMSO was privatised in 1996, it became The Stationery Office. Office Supplies Team subsequently merged with The Stationery Office in 1998 to form Supplies Team, and by 1999, the business supplies division of The Stationery Office was spun off to create Banner Business Supplies.
Supplies Team launched a market-leading e-commerce website in 2000, embracing new technology to make purchasing easier and more accessible for customers. By 2012, the company had expanded their category offerings and moved into a 250,000-square-foot purpose-built warehouse, significantly increasing operational capacity.
In 2014, Banner Business Supplies joined evo Group, marking a significant step in Banner’s growth. Two years later, Supplies Team merged with the company to create Banner Group Limited. The following years brought further success and expansion; Banner acquired Ventura and Spectrum in 2018, followed by Staples UK in 2020, strengthening our capabilities and broadening the solutions we offer customers today. Our latest advancements in 2026 include acquiring the stock and trade of Exertis Supplies, and the Group celebrating 240 years of trust and service.
Our People
Banner’s journey is about more than acquisitions, innovation and expansion. At its core are the people who have shaped the business and helped it become what it is today.
Many colleagues have witnessed this transformation first-hand, building long careers while contributing to our growth. Their experiences highlight how our technology, environment and culture have adapted over the decades while maintaining our core values.
“I’ve seen a lot of change over my 34 years with the company – different names, different owners, acquisitions, and a few different locations, as well as some huge changes in technology along the way.
Some of the places that played such a big part in my working life have changed too. The office where I spent the most time is now student accommodation, while another building I worked in – complete with its own laboratory and bar, thanks to the good old Civil Service – is gradually making way for new apartments and shops.
There have been some brilliant moments too. I’ve been rewarded with trips to Dubai and Austria, getting the chance to ride with the four-man MoD GB Bobsleigh Team down the Olympic course. But the people are what stand out most. Over the years, I’ve seen many colleagues come and go – and, in some cases, return – all influencing me, the business and its history.”
- Peter Bowen, Senior Bids & Pricing Manager, 34 years with Banner
“I started work in St. Crispin’s which housed various divisions such as business supplies, print, publications, and copiers. In addition to St. Crispin’s, was Sovereign House, another large multi-floored building in Norwich that included a technical laboratory and an ‘in-house’ bar – I remember volunteering to give blood at an organised donor session in the first year that I joined and being told to head to the bar area to do so! Only a biscuit and a glass of squash was on offer though. Both buildings are no longer in use; one has been converted into luxury student accommodation, and the other is soon to be destroyed to make way for a new housing development.
Technology has changed greatly during this time, with staff initially using what was called ‘dumb’ terminals, with very large and heavy PCs and bulky monitor screens linked to a mainframe server. I recall having to take manual ‘back-up’ tapes of our workload and systems over to our IT department in Sovereign House on a weekly basis. Now it’s so much easier to work on cloud-based servers, laptops and equipment that is much more compact, efficient, and easy to move around.
I have been fortunate to have attended some really memorable events over the years, some hosted by our supply partners, such as racing events at Silverstone and Brands Hatch and others as part of a staff reward scheme including trips to Dubai, Cyprus (including being hosted by the MOD at RAF Akrotiri), and the South of France.
The past 34 years really has flown by, so many changes both professionally and personally. In that time, I’ve gotten married, had twins, lost family members, moved house three times, received at least 4 promotions, saw the business go through privatisation, two management buyouts, acquisition and mergers and gained an additional family through friends and colleagues, both past and present. The support, friendship, teamwork, and mentorship received has been so invaluable and has played a major part in my long service here at Banner.”
- Sally Beach, Head of Bid Management, 34 years with Banner
From Stationery to Comprehensive Workplace Solutions
Through every stage of Banner’s evolution, strong customer relationships, collaboration and a commitment to procurement excellence have remained at the heart of what we do.
Today, Banner has grown far beyond our origins in stationery. We provide a comprehensive range of workplace solutions for every sector, spanning Technology, Interiors, Facilities Supplies, Workwear & PPE, Bespoke Print, Office Supplies and sustainable products.
Powered by evo Group’s logistics platform and infrastructure, we now support organisations across the UK with solutions designed to make workplaces smarter, safer, and more productive.
As we celebrate 240 years of evo, we’re proud to recognise the history that has brought us here, the people who have shaped our journey and the opportunities that lie ahead for Banner.