History

Our business has evolved a lot over the years. Initially trading as Trade Paper Limited, our focus was on the sourcing and supply of paper for large mass merchandisers in the UK retail sector. Since 1992 we’ve constantly developed our value proposition to provide more for both our customers and suppliers.

Today, Brightstream represents the on-going evolution of what was Trade Paper, and symbolises an important milestone in our expansion into new and innovative products, and increased focus on wider geographical markets.

1992

• Trade Paper Limited founded.
• Acquired Retail Concept Packaging.

1994

• Launched first private label paper range.

1995

• Setup in-house design studio.

1999

• Trade Paper acquired by Buhrmann Ubbens NV.

2001

• Launched first private label photo paper range.
• Employed dedicated European Account Manager.

2002

• Signed exclusive photo paper packing & distribution agreement with Fujifilm UK Limited.

2003

• Trade Paper acquired by PaperlinX Europe from Buhrmann Ubbens NV.

2005

• Trade Paper offices relocated to Northampton.
• Bespoke automated paper packaging line built.

2006

• Gained FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accreditation.

2007

• Signed exclusive distribution agreement with Computer Expressions symbolising first sales of non-paper products.
• Gained BRC (British Retail Consortium) consumer packaging certification.
• Trade Paper merged with Howard Smith Paper Business Papers – renamed Howard Smith Paper Retail.

2008

• Completed ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) audit.
• Launched Carbon Balanced Paper initiative in partnership with the World Land Trust.

2010

• Howard Smith Paper Retail rebranded as Brightstream.