Our Rich History...

1978

Whilst attending an Office Supplies Trade event at Turnberry Hotel, our founder met an American 'industry insider' who extolled the benefits of Vendor Managed Inventory. Enthused by this novel concept, David Arnott took the idea to his employer only to be told "it'll never work over here". By renaming it Supplier Managed Stock and blending it with his innovative Tail-End-Spend Account Manager Service, David DID make it work over here! Nearly 50 years later, many procurement professionals still utilise updated versions of Accolade SMILE and TEAMS business management systems.

1984

🏆 Honoured for Inclusive Excellence

Accolade foundations are built on a long-standing commitment to ethical business practices. That dedication was nationally recognised in 1984, when the Manpower Services Commission honoured Accolade (then trading as Business Systems) with a prestigious Fit for Work Award.

We achieved this by partnering with government agencies to break down barriers to employment being experienced by people perceived to have disabilities. Our focus was on practical innovation, such as providing a delivery van with automatic transmission for an employee who had lost an arm. Winning this significant national award, after previous success at local & regional level, inspired the founding and rebranding of the company as Accolade Partnership Limited.

Decades before corporate social responsibility became a buzzword, Accolade were already leading by example. For procurement professionals, our prestigious FfW Award stands as a testament to our enduring corporate integrity. By choosing Accolade, you'll partner with an organisation that has spent well over forty years championing an inclusive, supportive and compassionate working community. We remain, and always will be, Positive About Disabled People.

1989

In that year, Accolade's founder was granted Life Membership by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, rewarding several successful sponsorship campaigns. Whilst evolving market trends brought an end to Accolade’s direct involvement in GDBA’s toner-recycling initiatives, a partnership lives on through Every Office Limited. That Glasgow-based firm, owned by toner cartridge specialists, provides guidance and support to Accolade customers looking to cut the cost of printing documents in a tax-efficient, eco-friendly way.

1991

🎭 Celebrating Community and Culture

Accolade’s commitment to our local community took centre stage in 1991 when we won the prestigious Business Sponsorship of the Arts Award. This came about directly from Glasgow’s landmark year as European City of Culture-1990.

During those celebrations, two of Accolade's talented team performed in a spectacular musical staged by Theatre Guild at the Kings Theatre. Accolade sponsored the production and hosted special performance evenings to thank our local customers.

One of our guests, Ron Culley, the visionary head of Govan Initiative, who had previously spearheaded transformation of our old office & warehouse district for the Glasgow Garden Festival, was so impressed by our event's community spirit that he nominated Accolade for the important BSA Award. For buyers, this 'accolade' highlights our corporate values, ones that are deeply rooted in community collaboration, regional regeneration and authentic societal support.

2021

🛡️ Supporting Scotland’s Key Workers

Accolade’s systemic importance was officially recognised during the global pandemic when the Scottish Government awarded our company a grant from their Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund (PERF). This funding was strictly reserved for businesses deemed absolutely vital to Scotland's economic infrastructure.

Whilst widespread restrictions paused normal commerce, this grant enabled Accolade to remain operational and financially secure. We rapidly pivoted our logistics network to source certified face masks, sanitiser, and essential PPE. This allowed local key workers and frontline organisations to operate safely and continuously during a national crisis.

For concerned purchasing managers, this proves that Accolade is more than a standard vendor. We are a government-verified, highly resilient supply chain partner, capable of supporting your business continuity through any global disruption.