Yorkshire Christmas catch-up: ABS UK Ltd’s Brett Abson

As the businesspeople of Yorkshire are enjoying the Christmas break, Bdaily is continuing its December interview series with Brett Abson, sales director at ABS UK Ltd.

As you already know, we at Bdaily love to bring our readers closer to the stories we write. So this month, we’re asking the questions we don’t usually get a chance to ask - giving you the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the businesses you often read about.

Based in Elland-based, ABS Independent Copier Solutions (ABS ICS), the distribution arm of ABS UK Ltd, recently saw a record month for sales - generating over £130k in november.

Sales director, Brett Abson has been with the company for 21 years.

Your Business

What were the highlights for your business in 2015?

The highlight had to be moving premises to Elland in May which has been a great boost to our staff. We’re focused on building long-lasting relationships with local businesses and helping them with their printing facilities and to make cost savings. This has led to further business growth for ABS.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently this year?

We run a staff incentive where we take four employees on a once-in-a-lifetime volunteer trip to Sri Lanka to lend our support to the Eliya Children’s Orphanage. As I was working on some big projects at the time I decided not to go. In hindsight, I really regret my decision, as even though the projects have all worked out and been good for the business, the trip presented a great opportunity to see how funding from ABS has helped the orphanage and the children.

What’s in store for your company in 2016?

We are looking to forge further partnerships with well-established local businesses which dovetail with our own. We have already been successful in gaining new customers through recommendations and believe this will help with further growth and to promote the business locally.

Your favourites

Have any other Yorkshire companies caught your eye this year? if so - why?

There have been many which have caught my eye, but one in particular, Rosemount Estates, stands out. They’re our new landlords so we have got to know them very well. They are very good to work with, very forward-thinking and everything they do is done to a high standard.

When business life gets on top of you, what do you do to de-stress?

I love sport, in particular football; I am player manager for a local team (although I’m not sure it de-stresses me). I also love music and going to gigs. So far this year I have been to see Noel Gallagher, James Bay and George Ezra. I also attended my first ballet and loved it, which surprised me a little.

Who has been your favourite social media personality this year? Any accounts stood out for you?

Apart from our own Twitter account @ABSUKMarketing, I would have to say @HOMESofFOOTBALL. I do love my sport, particularly football and this account posts live shots of football games and grounds from past and present. I think it really captures the emotion of football. From small Sunday league grounds, to the premiership; all have part to play in making it the UK’s most popular sport.

The what ifs

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?

I’d be a cricket pundit. They seem to have the best job in the world, touring the West Indies, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand to name but a few, watching the game they love and enjoying the sun. I wish my job stopped when it rains!

If you could go back in time, which piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I would say make sure you travel as much as you can while you’re young. Too many people start to travel when they are older when they afford it and that’s great, but I’m quite a sporty person and can’t do some of the things I once could.

What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?

The keys to a big old convertible destined for route 66, finishing with tickets to the Coachella Festival. Well you did ask. Failing that a nice bottle of red will do just fine.

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