Record turnover for Printerland as it reaches £22 million

Printerland, the North West-based reseller of printers and inks, has posted its best annual turnover figures – reaching £22 million in 2012/13.

The Altrincham company is now tracking ambitious targets to reach between £30 million and £32 million in 2013/14 – representing £1 million per staff member.

Co-founder and managing director, James Kight, said the 28.3 per cent year-on-year turnover increase was down to the company’s aggressive growth strategy, which has seen it invest heavily in the e-commerce elements of the business.

He said: “The team has worked tirelessly to ensure Printerland is growing all the time, and we have seen this come to fruition with this year’s accounts.

“We’ve invested significantly in a new website and e-commerce management system to make purchasing easier, as well as strengthening our sales strategies to target vertical markets, identifying those with a real scope for growth, and refocusing our efforts in those areas.

“We’ve also launched a managed print service team, allowing Printerland to offer additional services to customers.”

The company celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, after being set up by Kight and business partner, Graham Vickers, in 1993. The pair still run Printerland, and have developed the company into the UK’s largest reseller of printers and inks.

Its pre-tax profit for 2012/13 has jumped by 58 per cent to £1.6 million for the year ending 31 March.

Vickers added: “Our balance sheet is strong, and we’re concentrating on expanding our sales and customer service teams to allow us to grow our existing accounts, while proactively targeting new customers.

“We’re forecasting £30 million for this year, but I am going to push hard for £32 million. We have a great team in place and we have never been in a better position to grow quickly.”

Printerland opened a South African office in 2012, its first overseas territory. This marked a shift for the company as it broadened its sales horizons and began proactively targeting overseas businesses.

Graham Vickers, co-owner, is tasked with developing the overseas business and seeking acquisitions, both home and abroad.

With plans in place to develop the South African office over the coming years, it is likely to form a core element of the business’ growth.

James also sees this year’s 28.3 per cent turnover growth as an indicator of a recovering economy. He commented: “There has been a definite boost in sales levels which is represented in our figures for the year.

“In addition, we have seen an increase in the number of companies taking up our managed print services, which is one of our key areas for growth.”

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