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About Us
Everything you need to know about us here at Abacus.
Our Timeline
Take a look at the journey to becoming
Abacus Creative Resources.
Family Business Established
Patrick Swindell established the first dedicated wholesaler of Art Materials, supplying Retail Art Shops nationally, from his house and van.
1976
Brothers
Roy and Roddy Swindell joined the family businesses
1995
Bigger and Better
Moved to large premises in Wythenshawe, Manchester that facilitated serious growth across multiple businesses
2006
New Beginnings
Abacus Resources was born, specifically supplying educational establishments
2009
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation
Moved to purpose-built premises in Carnforth, Lancashire
2013
Letís Get Creative
Rebranded to Abacus Creative Resources
2017
Happy Anniversary
Abacus celebrates 10 years of business
2019
New Generation
Bonnie & Lyndon Swindell join - 3rd Generation
2021
Next Level
Abacus launches new website
2023
- 1976
- 1995
- 2006
- 2009
- 2013
- 2017
- 2019
- 2021
- 2023
Why choose us
As an Art, Craft and Design Technology supplier, we are proud to supply education establishments, retailers and creative studios throughout the UK. We stock an exciting range of creative materials from the industries best known brands including POSCA, Winsor & Newton and Daler Rowney as well as our very own Blue Acorn. Our range has grown from simply art materials, to supporting all creative disciplines including Pottery, Textiles, Printmaking, Graphic Design and much more.
Abacus Creative Resources is a family business built by three generations of the Swindell family. Brothers Roy and Roddy who have taken the reins, have an enthusiasm and dedication instilled by their father and founder of the business, Patrick. This has been passed down to Roy’s eldest children Bonnie and Lyndon who joined the Company to form our new looks sales team just over a year ago.
The family’s commitment to the Company is shared by all the team who are based in Carnforth, Lancashire. From the Warehouse to the marketing department, everyone is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service.
To put it simply, we do our job because we have a passion to source and deliver good quality art materials to education establishments and retailers throughout the UK. Nothing gives us more satisfaction than serving our customers!
Blue Acorn is a unique creative brand thought up by the Swindell family. Our in-house team work closely with creatives to develop a carefully crafted range of stylish sketchbooks, journals, canvasses and essential creative tools for the unique Blue Acorn brand. The brand was developed with students in mind; providing excellent quality materials to support creatives at every stage of their journey.
Abacus Creative Resources is renowned for our creative kit service. Our dedicated team work closely with education establishments to create individual student kits based on the requirements of each course. We are proud to supply some of the UK’s most prestigious art schools and colleges with our customisable and pre-assembled kits, made to our client’s own specifications.
So, from Fine Art to Fashion and Photography we are the one stop shop for your creative needs!
Order fulfilment rate
Our average order fulfillment rate is 94.9%.
10,000 products in stock
From Awagami paper to zip mesh bags, we have something for every department and every budget.
Next day delivery
We pride ourselves on offering speedy delivery and the best customer service!
Meet the team
Meet the people behind Abacus.
Roy Swindell
Managing Director
Roy is the managing director of the family business, after his father Patrick handed over the reins. Roy oversees and gets involved in every aspect of running the business, from managing suppliers to going out and about meeting customers!
Favourite Food: Steak.
Favourite Pastime: Walking in the Lake District.
Roddy Swindell
Director
Roddy is Roy’s brother and has worked for the company for over 30 years. He started by helping out in the school holidays! Roddy manages colleges and the retail sector and loves to get out on the road and meet customers face to face.
Favourite Food: Roast Lamb.
Favourite Place: Coniston, Lake District.
Lyndon Swindell
Customer Account Manager
Lyndon, Roy’s son, joined Abacus in July 2021. Lyndon is the Independent school account manager. He provides a first-class customer service experience and loves nothing more than getting on the road and meeting customers face to face.
Favourite Food: Steak.
Supports: Manchester United.
Nathan Airey
Finance
Nathan joined the Abacus family in March 2023.
Favourite Food: Chicken Fajita’s.
Phobia: Snakes.
Hannah Butler
Office Manager
If you’ve ever called Abacus HQ you’ll have no doubt spoken with Hannah! Hannah joined the business in 2017 having recently moved to the area from Stoke and works alongside sales and the warehouse team to oversee the smooth running of all processes, resulting in a great experience for our customers. Hannah studied Marketing at Staffordshire University.
Pets: Pooch - Ernie. Cats; Binky & Vinnie.
Favourite Pastime: Knitting & Running.
Duncan Lowe
Operations Manager
If you’ve ever received a delivery from us, it’s all thanks to our warehouse team; led by our Operations Manager Duncan! Duncan joined the Company on 1st February 2018 and keeps our stock, deliveries & warehouse in order. Duncan studied Sport Science at University of Cumbria.
First Job: Paper round.
Phobia: Heights.
Alex Parkinson
Warehouse Operative
Alex is not the newest addition to the Abacus family joining in June 2022. He has settled nicely into the team, considering the conflict of interests when it comes to football teams!
Favourite Meal: Steak and chips.
Supports: Preston North End.
Mike Storey
Warehouse Operative
Mike, who joined in April 2021, drives here daily from Sedbergh in his beloved Mini. From manufacturing to picking and packing orders, Mike is involved in all aspects of the day to day operations in the warehouse.
Pets: Cats; Buddy & Tinker Bell.
Supports: Blackpool F.C.
Dave George
Warehouse Operative
Dave joined the Abacus family in August 2023.
Favourite Food: Cheese Toasties