A Family Business That’s Giving Back
17th February 2026
William (Bill) Stacey was a generous man who believed in giving something back, and the charitable fund set up in his name more than a decade ago is continuing that legacy.
Children who need extra support, including those with dyslexia, are being helped to build brighter futures thanks to a fund created in memory of a big-hearted Essex businessman.
The W G Stacey Family Fund, managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF), was established just over 10 years ago in honour of William George Stacey, founder of Chelmsford-based DCS Ltd, now a leading UK distributor of catering disposables, food packaging and hygiene products.
William (Bill) Stacey was a generous man who believed in giving something back…
After Bill (pictured below) died from cancer in 2012, his family set up the fund to continue his ethos of helping others. Grants are distributed to Essex causes close to the family’s hearts, including initiatives supporting children with additional needs.
Bill’s son Paul, commercial director of DCS Ltd, said:
“ Dad would have been proud to have a charitable fund set up in his memory. He was a character nobody would forget, and he was a generous man who believed in giving something back. He supported various charities and always wanted to help people less fortunate than himself.
“When he moved from Upminster to South Woodham Ferrers in 1980, he started the business in his garage at home, with his office in the bedroom of our house.
“With the support of his wife June and some great neighbours he built up the business, going around the local area promoting the goods across local pubs and other establishments.
“Since 1980, we’ve grown from a local disposables supplier into the UK’s fastest-growing independent distributor of non-food consumables, supplying businesses across hospitality, healthcare, education and facilities management.
“DCS now has a turnover of £30 million, employs 90 people, has three warehouses and a fleet of 28 vehicles. We are in partnership with DX covering the midlands and the north and we are also the parent company of A Good Decision, our dedicated brand for carbon-conscious packaging and hygiene solutions. ”
Paul added:
“The W G Stacey Family Fund carries forward Bill’s vision of determination, compassion and community.
“At DCS Ltd, our heart has always been in Chelmsford, where our journey began more than four decades ago. Over the years, we’ve grown into a trusted leader in sustainable food packaging and hygiene solutions, working with businesses across the UK to deliver products that reduce environmental impact and support responsible operations.
“As we’ve evolved, one thing has remained constant, our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live and work.
“Through the WG Stacey Family Fund, we continue to champion causes that reflect our values and our long-standing belief in building a better future. The Fund has a focus on children who need support and the protection of wildlife, to ensure future generations can enjoy a thriving environment.
“For over 10 years, we’ve ensured that thousands of children receive a Christmas gift, sharing the joy of the festive season with those who need it most.
“In 2026 and beyond, we will strengthen our focus on supporting children with learning difficulties, an issue that touches many families, including those of our own employees.
“Every initiative reflects our belief that better businesses build better communities.
“The WG Stacey Family Fund is more than philanthropy, it’s our way of ensuring William George Stacey’s legacy continues to inspire good decisions for generations to come.”
W G Stacey Family Fund
Since it was set up with ECF in 2012, the W G Stacey Family Fund has given over £17,000 to support a wide range of charities including:
Paul Stacey (right) with his brother, and fellow DCS director, James Stacey
Paul’s wife Carol and their children Holly, Lauren and Aimee
City of Chelmsford Mencap
£655 to provide a range of activities and respite opportunities for members of a charity supporting people with learning disabilities.
Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund
£1,254 to help deliver support and activities for teenagers and their families diagnosed and living with cancer. These included a trip to the O2.
SNAP (Special Needs and Parents)
£1,441 towards the cost of running holiday clubs for children with additional needs and disabilities in Brentwood, Basildon and other areas of Essex.
Gold Geese
£1,634 to support the ongoing cost of mental health therapy for a local children’s cancer charity working in Basildon and Southend.
Start your giving now or leave a legacy in your will
If you would like to set up a Fund with ECF in memory of a loved one, your family name or your business, get in touch with Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF to have a conversation.
Tel: 01245 355947 E-mail: perry@essexcf.org.uk