PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
IT support firm’s Tony Shemilt on gaining a physical presence on the High Street, maintaining growth in a struggling market with Amazon and eBay sales, and more.
Tell us about your business – what products and services do you offer?
Our core business is the supply and support of business IT systems including printing, PCs, networking and CCTV.
This sort of business is very much face-to-face, so we are able to offer tailored solutions instead of just selling something. It’s our aim to maintain a link to our customers and hopefully become trusted advisors in the field of technology.
A supporting part of our business is sales via eBay and Amazon. It’s not unusual for such sales to lead to a more dynamic partnership with the end client as they get to know what else we can do for them.
Who are your customers?
Our clients are very diverse, from individuals buying a printer to multinationals placing large orders. Local business plays a very large part in our activities, as we are able to spend the time with them to understand what they need.
How has business been?
As with many others, it’s not been an easy year or two, but despite that we have sustained 150 per cent growth over the last 12 months. In fact, the limitations of our premises was the biggest factor preventing us from growing even more. That has now been resolved and we are optimistic of the future.
What’s coming up for you in 2014?
We are hoping to launch a new website to make direct sales more streamlined, but what is equally important is the opening of our new showroom in Alsager. This will be a direct sales facility, but it will also be a physical presence in the High Street.
What are the benefits of trade organisations like Synaxon?
Not only do they facilitate credit card rates, but they also have a wealth of knowledge and experience. They are approachable and helpful and seem capable of handling any problem you throw at them.
