In 1975, a small stationery and school supplies shop opened its doors in Sligo. Back then it was called Sligo Supply Centre (SSC), and its shelves were filled with the everyday essentials local families, schools, and businesses needed. Over the decades, the company grew with its community and nearly 20 years ago, two colleagues made the leap from employees to owners, beginning a whole new chapter.
From Employees to Owners
For Colin Diamond, running a business had always been in the back of his mind.
“When I joined SSC in 1996, I didn’t think this was going to be my final workplace,” Colin recalls. “I always thought I was going to run a B&B business, as that’s what I grew up in. But I grew into this business, loved selling office furniture, and realised very soon this was a great industry to be in. Our old bosses saw something in both of us and trusted us with so much as the company grew in the late 90s and early 2000s.”
By 2008, Colin and Clorah McGavigan took the bold step of buying the business. It wasn’t without risk.
“Absolutely, we risked everything in 2008,” they say. “But we had great support and belief from our colleagues and family.”
Colin Diamond and Clorah McGavigan
A Partnership Built on Trust
Their working relationship is rooted in trust and balance.
“We get on first and foremost, trust each other, and we backed each other from day one. We’ve never had a cross word against each other,” says Clorah.
Colin describes their roles with a smile: “We’re yin and yang. Clorah keeps us in the black. She runs the back of house, and I run the front of house.”
From Stationery Shop to Fit-Out Specialists
When they took over, SSC was still seen mainly as a stationery company. Today, after a rebrand to Clever Office, the business has grown into a leader in complete office solutions.
“We felt our identity was very local, especially when trying to do business outside our locality. We’re still a proud Sligo company, but Clever Office has grown as a brand both here and further afield — and that makes us proud.”
The vision has transformed over the years.
“We were very much a stationery company selling copiers and some office furniture. Now we’re an office fit-out company that also supplies stationery and copiers.”
The Clever Office Team
Challenges, Milestones, and Proud Moments
Colin and Clorah have weathered their fair share of storms, from the 2008 recession to the challenges of Covid.
“We survived a recession and Covid, employ great people — many of whom were colleagues before we bought the company out and are still with us today. We’ve grown into the largest supplier of office furniture, office supplies, and copiers in the Northwest of Ireland.”
There are countless projects that stand out in their memories, from small offices to multinationals. But one turning point remain particularly meaningful – taking over Western Stationers in 2012 and purchasing their office and warehouse space at Ballast Quay.
“It was another scary time, as the recession was still here, but we had a premises and location to grow from.”
Looking Ahead
As Clever Office celebrates its 50th year, Colin and Clorah are focused on the future.
“In the next 10–20 years, we see Clever Office growing as a brand and as a great place to work.”
And while the business will continue to evolve, some things will never change:
“Our work ethic and drive, being honest to staff, and giving the best customer service to our customers.”
For us, this anniversary isn’t just about looking back – it’s about saying thank you. We wouldn’t be here without the loyalty of our customers, the commitment of our staff, and the trust of our community.
Here’s to the next 50 years of Clever Office, creating spaces where work works better.
