Our History2

As one of Teesside's oldest family-run companies, we proudly celebrated 125 years of trading in 2025, marking a remarkable journey that began in 1900. Following that milestone, we have fully rebranded and now operate as Leaders Wholesale Ltd. This change comes as part of moving the business forward within the family, with a fresh rebrand for the next generation. 

Leaders Paper Merchants based on Stockton Street, Middlesbrough was first established in 1900 by entrepreneur George William Leader who collected waste paper and cloths by hand cart.

George’s son, Albert, joined the company in the 1920’s until his sons, Peter and Albert Junior, carried the business through to the fifties at Lower Gosford Street. During World War II Peter was on night watch when Middlesbrough train station was bombed only 100 yards away.

We then moved into new premises to Fleetham Place, Middlesbrough where business began to prosper, during this time the building suffered a major fire and had to be demolished. In 1973 it was decided to construct a purpose-built warehouse to accommodate the increase of packaging demands. The business still trades from the same warehouse to this day by Peter’s son Mark, who is the fourth generation.

In 1992 Peter Leader died. The same year Mark met Helen who became involved in the business, one of her first jobs was to source a second-hand word processor. 

Mark and Helen married in 1996 and together continued to grow the business. In 2000, the business celebrated 100 years and from 2001 until 2005, the couple welcomed three children - Jessica, Thomas and Lucy.

Joyce Leader (Marks mother) died in 2014 and in 2018 Jessica and Thomas joined the business. During 2020 the Covid Pandemic struck and, like most companies, it hit our line of business. Although the company was classed as an Essential Key Worker - we were part of the food chain for the NHS, prisons, high street food outlets and restaurants - Government guidelines meant that we had to close the shop and warehouse to the public, continuing to trade collections and deliveries only, but with social distancing. 

Whilst the warehouse was closed the family decided it was a good opportunity to refurbish the shop. After helping in the business all through Covid daughter Lucy joined the company. Then in 2024 the shop re-opened to the public. 

Now our refurbished shop offers a wide selection of goods for the catering, janitorial and bar businesses as well as stocking a wide range of general packaging, disposables and party goods. 

Mark “As you can imagine, from our family beginnings in 1900, our forebearers have had to adopt to changing trends in goods, transport and premises over the last 125 years. With new family blood introduced to the company, I don’t see why we cannot trade for another 125 years. Our children (5th generation) are already looking into future developments. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new and understand the importance of a welcoming personal service.”

Though our name has changed our family legacy and commitment to personal service continue, and we look forward to the next chapter with both new and loyal customers.