10 Minutes with… Kate Warrender
Kate Warrender is the Owner of 1st Office Equipment Ltd – the largest independent print and document management solutions provider in the South West.
Established in 1998, the company has been family-run since its inception, having been set up by Kate’s father, Ernest.
With over 25 years’ experience serving clients from Swindon to St Ives, 1st Office Equipment Ltd maintains a focus on building trusted relationships and exceptional service.
Over the years, the business has evolved to continually meet the demands of modern workplaces, providing tailored solutions across printers, phones, software and IT support.
Despite this growth, the company has stayed true to its roots by offering a personal, hands-on approach that larger providers often lack.
We met Kate Warrender to find out more about her and the business.
What does it mean to lead a business started by your father?
It’s a real privilege. There’s a responsibility to carry forward the values he built the company on while also evolving it for today’s customers.
What sets 1st Office Equipment apart?
Our personal approach. The team genuinely care about our customers and take the time to understand what works best for them. If you call us, you get a team member. You don’t get a number of options to choose – you get to a person who wants to help you. It’s all about keeping things simple, friendly and efficient.
I’m a strong believer in building long-term partnerships with clients, ensuring they receive not just the right technology, but ongoing support they can rely on. I hope that my leadership reflects both the values passed down from my father as well as my own vision for the future, combining tradition with innovation.
What motivates you day-to-day?
Seeing the business grow while maintaining that family feel and knowing we’re making a difference to our customers.
What advice would you give businesses reviewing their office technology?
Start by looking at what’s actually frustrating you day-to-day. We offer a free audit and can help identify and resolve those issues. We focus on reliability, relationships and support, not just price, as it makes a huge difference in the long run. Long-term relationships are key.
How do you maintain a family-run culture as the business grows?
By staying close to our customers and making sure service always comes first.
Looking ahead, I’m committed to growing 1st Office Equipment while preserving its family ethos by delivering dependable service, honest advice and real value to every customer.
What is life like outside of work?
I aim to balance business leadership with family life, being mother to Olivia and Grace. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, with a passion for walking, fishing, travelling and gardening. I would say that my general outlook shapes the way I run the business – focused, approachable and always people-first.
I’m also a keen reader. My favourite book is Good to Great by Jim Collins, which resonates with me when it comes to building a resilient, high-performing business that stands the test of time.
To find out more about 1st Office visit: www.1st-office.com
