It all started in 1892...
Thomas Graham changed his family’s future for generations to come when he set up his own business – a small ironmongers shop and steel warehouse on Lowther Street in Carlisle.
Our guiding principles
- Be proud of our company, where our leaders generate a sense of passion and fun.
- Act morally and with integrity.
- Support and develop our TG workforce and have a positive impact on our local community and environment.
- Long term sustainable profitable growth.
- Encourage entrepreneurial behaviour to explore opportunities.
- Give our customers a great service so they want to come back to us.
Our vision and values
Our vision has evolved over the years, however, we still hold true to the original aim of ensuring we offer our customers a first-class level of service at all times.
Our customers
We go the extra mile to care for our customers.
Our people
Hardworking, friendly, knowledgeable and take responsibility to do the right thing.
Our operations
We continually strive to improve in all that we do.
History timeline
2019
Family Business Awards
Thomas Graham crowned Retailer & Wholesaler of the Year and Family Business of the Year in the Cumbrian Family Business Awards. Later that year, crowned North & Northern Ireland Family Business of the Year at the National Family Business Awards.
2019
Sellafield MRO
Egremont branch wins back Sellafield MRO contract for three years (started in August 2019)
2018
BECBC SME Award
Thomas Graham awarded the BECBC SME Innovation and Creativity Award for 2018
2017
125 Year Anniversary
Thomas Graham celebrate their 125th year anniversary with a number of activities to mark the occasion. Including several fundraising events for their chosen charities, with the highlight being the National Three Peak Challenge in 24 hours..
2016
HCS Acquisition
Thomas Graham acquires Morecambe hygiene business - 'Hygiene Cleaning Supplies' - who offer expertise in all hygiene related activity including washroom services. Thomas Graham become members of the hygiene buying group 'Jangro'.
2015
Refurbishment
Thomas Graham complete refurbishments to both their Egremont and Kendal depots; including a modern look showroom and new offices.
2014
HO Relocation
Complete the relocation of their head office from Shaddongate in Carlisle to a new purpose built 31,250m2 premises at Kingmoor Park. The move sees consolidation of three different warehouse locations to 1 site, improving efficiency & transport links.
2012
Morecambe Relocation
Thomas Graham complete relocation of their Morecambe depot to a 3000m2 purpose built premises with modern showroom and office facilities.
2009
Accreditation
Thomas Graham secures ISO9001 accreditation through LRQA.
2009
Expansion
Additional land acquired at our Egremont depot sees significant expansion to trade counter and office space.
2005
CFM Acquisition
2005 also saw the acquisition of local fastener supplier 'Cumbria Fasteners'. With branches at Carlisle, Egremont and Morecambe, the acquisition gave Thomas Graham a route into the North Lancs geographical area to an established customer base.
2005
'The Great Carlisle Flood'
January 8th witnessed the worst flooding in Carlisle for a century.
2004
Kendal Relocation
Thomas Graham complete relocation of their Kendal depot to a new 1300m2 purpose built premises with modern showroom and office facilities.
2002
New MD Appointment
2002 saw the appointment of Roger Smith to the role of Managing Director. Roger took over from his father, Ian, who became Chairman of the company. Roger is the great, great grandson of the original Thomas Graham, who founded the company in 1892.
2001
First TG Website
2001 also sees the introduction of the first company website, which featured information about the company and available products for purchase at their three depots.
2001
New Steel Warehouse
Thomas Graham expands its steel distribution capability with the opening of a purpose built storage facility in Dalston.
1997
New Depot Opens
Thomas Graham expands its operation into Kendal, offering a daily delivery service to the South Lakes and Barrow in Furness.
1996
New Depot Opens
Thomas Graham expands its operation into Egremont, offering a daily delivery service throughout West Cumbria and on the doorstep of the Sellafield Nuclear Site.
1995
TG Joins First Buying Group
Thomas Graham joins Troy buying group, which gives access to 100s of suppliers, therefore improving the range of product available to customers.
1991
HO Relocation
Thomas Graham complete relocation of their head office from Caldewgate in Carlisle to the old dairy site in Shaddongate.
1980
HO Expansion
Thomas Graham purchase additional land behind current site to facilitate the expansion of their steel warehouse.
1971
New Director Appointment
Ian Smith appointed as Director of Thomas Graham.
1970
On the Move
Lowther Street premises compulsory purchased by the Council, so as a result, Thomas Graham moved to new site in Caldewgate.
1960
Historical Moment
Thomas Graham & Sons become a Limited Company.
1960
Death in the Family
Thomas Graham (son of the founder) passes away.
1957
A Significant Acquisition
Thomas Graham & Whittle acquire Fox & Smith, Roper Street Whitehaven.
1946
A Growing Family Business
Henry Smith joins the business in partnership with Thomas; son of the original Thomas Graham.
1935
Death in the Family
Thomas Graham, the original founder passes away.
1930
A significant milestone
Thomas Graham hits annual turnover of £10,000
1892
A legacy is born
Thomas Graham commences trading from 121 Lowther Street Carlisle with six members of staff.
