Tell us a little bit about the company. Where are you based? When did the company start? Exacompta Clairefontaine is a French company with a long and respected history in the stationery and creative industries, dating back to 1858. Over the years, the group has expanded internationally, with subsidiaries and operations across the globe, including in Japan, the US, and Europe. The company has built a reputation for high-quality products, innovative design, and a commitment to supporting creativity in both professional and personal contexts. From premium office supplies to art materials, notebooks, and crafting ranges, the group offers a diverse portfolio that appeals to a wide variety of customers while maintaining consistent standards of excellence. Here in the UK, we’re based in King’s Lynn, a charming town in Norfolk. Our office may be small, but it has a real sense of character and community. It’s filled with passionate, hardworking people, and there’s a genuine family feel to the team. Many members of staff have been with the company for decades, which speaks volumes about their loyalty and love for the industry. That shared passion is felt day to day and plays a big part in shaping the positive, welcoming environment that defines who we are as a company. Who founded the company and why? The British subsidiary’s beginning started in 1897 in England with the founding of Tollit & Harvey by Charles Clifton Tollit and his close friend and colleague, John Harvey. Both men left their positions in stationery shops to pursue their ambition of running a business of their own. Their decision was driven by a shared passion for stationery and a strong belief in its practical value, recognising how welldesigned stationery could support organisation, creativity, and everyday tasks. By combining their experience with a commitment to quality, they set out to build a company rooted in craftsmanship and purpose. This Q&A with Amelia Gallichan, Sales and Marketing Assistant at Exacompta Clairefontaine, explores the company’s transformation from Tollit & Harvey to Exaclair Ltd, and what that shift has meant for growth, design and the wider stationery sector. HISTORY, CRAFT AND MODERNISATION 56
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