Wallis Business Services of York is celebrating its 40th birthday.

What began as a small duplication and typing and typewriter repair service in Gillygate, started by Pauline and Peter Wallis in 1965, diversified into office stationery, and ballooned into a £4.3 million success story under the guiding hand of their son, also Peter, managing director.

At first, shops either side of the Gillygate premises were acquired. Then in 1991, after his parents retired, Peter opened the distribution centre in Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor - a building which was later to serve as headquarters. The business also acquired AM Stationers in Malton, which now acts as a rural branch.

The secret of the venture's success? "Continuity," said Peter. "Out of 56 full-time employees, 38 per cent have been with us for more than ten years. The average length of service for the whole company is a staggering nine and a half years. Eleven of the staff started from school and four returned to Wallis after leaving for various reasons.

"If you are flexible and care about your employees you keep them."

Updated: 11:40 Wednesday, January 26, 2005