30/09/2026
So this week is a birthday of sorts for us. 10 years ago this week we took over Coaction Agencies which we changed not long after to Braid & Co Distribution. We started in a little building in Gurney St, it was about 120sqm. We moved not long after to a 500 sqm building on Bayswater road where we started B2B Supplies in 2020, the same year we moved to a 1200 sqm building in Fleming St. In the 6 years we spent at Fleming st, we had lots of changes, lots of up's and downs. We added NQ Cartridge & Toners to the family. This would later become Cartridge World, Townsville Office Furniture came along in 2024, B2B Supply changed to Braid & Co Business & Safety Supplies. We added for a short period Budget Colour Copies as well as a couple of other entities that didn't kick on. We had up to 11 staff, added a second warehouse, had 14 suppliers we represented in the electrical and HVAC space. Had over 3500 tyres at one stage. Lots of changes, lots of lessons learnt. Braid & Co Business & Safety Supplies was changed to Townsville Office & Safety Supplies. Last year we made the tough decision to close Braid & Co Distribution as we could see the end of being a suppliers agent coming. With that decision we had to make some others so we got out of Budget Colour Copies, made the decision that we needed to find a fresh location and change our operations even more to stay competitive and open. We moved in August this year to our new building on Ingham Road, moved away from Cartridge World and went back to being an independent ink and toner reseller. Rebranded both Townsville Office & Safety Supplies and Townsville Office Furniture so they both had the same look. This year has definately been the toughest we have faced as a small business. The economy is tough, costs are going up, the cost to move was huge. But we are still here, we are still kicking. Big thanks to everyone that has supported us over the last 10 years. There are to many to mention here but you know who you are. To all the customers that have stuck buy us in the tough times, thank you. To the new customers that have come on board, we hope we can provide the level of service and support we take pride in providing. We are a small family business so please remember to support local. Remember that we are not just here to support businesses, we are open to the public. When you need stationery, PPE, office furniture, school supplies or cleaning products, don't forget the little guys, you might just be surprised at what we have in the shop and what we can supply. Please drop in for a chat and a look. There are a lot of people we know that have never been in our shop so my challenge to you before the end of this year is to come in for a look. You might be surprised and it will help us to stay open for another 10 years. Thanks for the support, regards Peter, Natasha & Ethan.