Our Journey
A brief history of Office Needs
Office Needs was started by Pauline Osman, working from home in Basildon in 1985. Inspired by her husband Tony, who ran a stationery shop for many years, she wanted to bring quality office supplies to people with the convenience of direct delivery. She was soon joined by her son Steve, who became her business partner and continued her vision after Pauline’s retirement in 1997.
The business grew and soon needed bigger premises. The years took them to Cornwallis House, then Orion Court, before Office Needs found its long-term home on Paycocke Road, still proudly based in Basildon. As the team grew, several members found career-long jobs in the business, and their decades of experience formed the core of what customers loved about Office Needs service – deep knowledge and genuine love of the industry.
After Steve’s retirement in 2025, Office Needs became part of Paperstone Group, and Andy Heath stepped up into the role of Managing Director after spending his entire career working for the business, helping to shape it into the success it enjoys today.
