PAPERSMITH & SON (PTY) LTD | Unit 5 1 Hawthorne Rd, Westmead, Pinetown, 3608, KwaZulu-Natal

It was a string of tedious, all-day and unproductive board meetings that prompted Jo Haden-Smith to break away from the corporate world and start his own business. And thus, the first truly independent, designer-focused paper merchant was conceived.Two weeks after resigning he flew overseas to source the papers currently in fashion in the European Market. While there, he was able to secure the exclusive distribution rights from some of the largest speciality mills.With the existing paper merchanting trade being dominated by a few large, international companies, many quality suppliers in Europe and the States were disenchanted with their ability to enter the market. The large merchants all had existing ranges and were unwilling to expand their range for fear of conflict of interest with existing suppliers. This opened up the whole world of paper to a new hungry merchant.In 2003, Jo handed over the reins of his business to his son, Rob Haden-Smith who is currently the Managing Director.