Ultratape is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Darren Coutts and Craig Laing from the Dundee-based specialist supplier of tapes, protective films and associated products tell the story…
On 26 March 2026, Ultratape officially marked 50 years of supplying quality products to the UK market. Founded in 1976 as Bruce Douglas Marketing and now operating across a number of industry sectors — from home, office, engineering and agriculture to the ranges familiar to those in construction and DIY — the business has grown steadily over five decades, guided by strong family values, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to service.
True to its founding principles, the company has built a reputation for delivering exceptional products, in full and on time — every time. And while the business has evolved significantly since its early days, the ethos of quality and service remains unchanged with loyalty, stability, honesty and consistency the essential ingredients behind our longevity.
“The company has built a reputation for delivering exceptional products, in full and on time — every time.”
As a family-owned business, Ultratape has achieved sustainable growth while staying true to these values — an approach that continues to pay dividends, with a milestone £15million turnover in 2023 testament to the dedication of the team and the enduring trust placed in the business by customers and partners alike.
A timeline of progress
From supplying Dundee in the late 1970s to expanding across Scotland and the wider UK, Ultratape’s journey has been defined by considered investment and long-term thinking.
Key milestones include:
Expansion through the 1980s, emerging stronger during challenging economic conditions.
The launch of the Ultratape brand in 1992.
Strategic relocations supporting growth, culminating in today’s 120,000 sq ft warehousing operation and £6m of stock available for immediate despatch.
ISO accreditations and supplier approvals that reinforce quality assurance.
Becoming trusted suppliers to leading buying groups and merchants nationwide.
Ultratape is an active supplier member of NMBS, NBG, H&B and several other buying groups across different sectors. The business is also a committed Supplier Member of the BMF, regularly participating in regional meetings, supplier events and annual conferences to support the vital role it plays in our industry — and we’d encourage all members to make full use of the opportunities available, particularly around apprenticeships, learning, development and training.
In recognition of the industry’s people, Ultratape was immensely proud to sponsor and present the BMF Lifetime Achievement Award to Chris Hayward in September 2025, celebrating his outstanding stewardship of NMBS for the benefit of the wider merchanting community.
Furthermore, one of Ultratape’s proudest achievements is its own people. The company has built a culture of training, development and retention, reflected in an average employee tenure of 14.3 years — a rarity in modern business and a clear indicator of stability and mutual respect.
Local support
When it comes to CSR, Ultratape firmly believes that home is where the heart is. Cancer affects so many families, and the business has seen first-hand the emotional and practical challenges it brings — the firm continues to support its local Maggie’s Centre, helping deliver vital services to those affected by cancer across Dundee and the surrounding area.
In 2024, we also became Headline Sponsors of Bonfest, the internationally recognised rock festival celebrating the life and work of Bon Scott of AC/DC. Held in his hometown of Kirriemuir, Bonfest raises funds for youth music and the arts across Angus and Dundee — a cause Ultratape is proud to champion.
For more information on Ultratape’s range of products and support services for merchants, use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mca007
