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DEALER PROFILE
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IT department that supports customers
with machine networking requirements
and provides telephone-based consultancy
and remote IT support. It also offers
specialist support for customers’ general IT
requirements. As a result of this approach,
the group has been able to up-sell bigger,
more complex solutions to existing
customers who originally bought just one
service.
“We invest when and where we need
to,” says Powell, “up-skilling existing staff
or hiring new specialists in their fields
when required. We constantly evaluate
and re-evaluate our business for weak
spots, gaps and future development
opportunities.”
A unified structure has supported
the group’s ability to flex and address
any challenge or problem head on. The
management teams meet regularly to
discuss any changes and developments
and plan how these should be dealt with.
“There will always be challenges and
difficulties along the way. Yet taking a
direct approach to dealing with them
means they are dealt with quickly and with
minimum impact on the business,” explains
Powell.
Standing out from the crowd
Another USP, according to Powell, is
Midshire’s focus on the customer. “We
are a truly independent supplier of some
of the best and best-known technology
brands and remain committed to putting
customers first, ensuring any issues
are dealt with swiftly and delivering a
personal, bespoke and full service to all.”
A four-strong regional office
network enables Midshire to deliver a
comprehensive, friendly, local service
backed by a nationwide reach. Its service
...continued
operation is run locally, but managed from
a central service call centre in Birmingham.
A number of key appointments in this area
have led to a reduction in downtime of
customers’ machines. In recognition of this
achievement, the company was recently
nominated as ‘Service Provider of the Year
2015’ at the Midlands Business Awards.
Competitive pricing is another key
differentiator. “A strong relationship with
our suppliers gives us the edge when it
comes to pricing,” says Powell. “We are
a one-stop-shop; we don’t just supply
photocopiers, we supply the full office
technology solution, which includes a full
range of printing devices, from compact
desktop printers to print production
machines, as well as telecommunications
solutions, broadband and IT products
and services. We can offer our customers
the best price available, whilst including
a first class service contract to maintain
the quality of the machine, and that’s a
powerful proposition.”
Looking to the future
With 25 years of sustained growth under
its belt, Midshire doesn’t plan to rest on its
laurels. It has recorded a 20% increase in
turnover this year and last month officially
opened its new Midlands base in Doranda
Way, West Bromwich.
The result of a £2.2 million investment
by the company, part-funded by the
Growing Priority Sectors Regional Growth
Fund, with the help of Think Sandwell,
Sandwell Council’s business growth team,
the brand new, custom-built office and
warehouse facility is designed to see
Midshire through its next phase of growth
and development.
The move has already created 20 new
jobs and gives Midshire the capacity to
create 20 more in the medium term. The
25,000 sq. ft. premises include extensive
warehousing, office space on two levels
and demonstration showrooms.
Sandwell Council Leader Darren Cooper
officiated at the grand opening. Specially
invited business partners, local companies,
community leaders and customers enjoyed
a tour of the new premises and attended
demonstrations highlighting the diverse
range of products and services available
from Midshire. Featured solutions included
photocopiers and specialist printing
equipment, 3D printing, video conferencing
and the company’s new cloud-based virtual
desktop solution, Desktop Monster.
Key partners Ricoh, Sharp, Lexmark,
Samsung, RISO, HP and Gamma were
represented. Also in attendance were
finance partners Siemens Financial
Services, CIT and CF Asset.
“This is a significant move for the
company after a sustained period of
growth,” Powell explains. “The new
office has provided better facilities for our
growing team and will enable us to deliver
an even better service to our expanding
customer base. It was a real pleasure to
officially open the building in front of our
business partners, local businesses and
staff.”
In addition, the company has extended
its Stockport branch, taking over the unit
next door. This expansion has increased
its warehousing capability and provided
much needed additional office space
to accommodate Midshire’s expanding
workforce.
We can
offer our
customers
the best
price
available,
whilst
including a
first class
service
contract to
maintain the
quality of
the machine,
and that’s
a powerful
proposition.
