31st March 2010 - Sir Clive Offers Lessons In Leadership

The mastermind behind one of the greatest achievements in English sport is set to inspire North East entrepreneurs when he returns to the region for the first time in seven years.

Sir Clive Woodward, whose England side famously claimed the Rugby World Cup in 2003, will reveal the secrets that have brought him unprecedented levels of success in both sport and business.

His return has been secured by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and comes amid calls from some quarters that the former England head coach should be brought back by the RFU to revitalise the national side.

Now Director of Elite Performance with the British Olympic Association, Sir Clive was responsible for the British team’s preparation for Beijing 2008 and is overseeing the development of Team GB as the country looks for a record medal haul at London 2012.

He was a keynote speaker at the inaugural Entrepreneurs’ Forum conference in 2004, just a year after England’s historic World Cup win. Considered by many to be one of the best speakers the region has ever welcomed, he is returning for a Lessons in Leadership master class event on Tuesday, April 20, at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.

Sir Clive, who spent part of his childhood in York, is well placed to offer expert tips on teamwork and motivation having forged a career in business with Xerox and Portfolio Leasing in both the UK and Australia before establishing his own finance company.

As a rugby amateur, he played for the Leicester Tigers and was capped 21 times for England, as well as touring twice with the British Lions. After emigrating to Australia and playing for Manly, Sir Clive began to study the game closely and developed a belief that the previously dominant southern hemisphere sides could be beaten with the right level of preparation.

He was appointed as the first full time professional coached in the English game in 1997 after spells at London Irish, Bath and as coach of England Under-21s for three seasons. England’s famous victory over Australia in the dying moments of extra-time in the 2003 World Cup has gone down as one of the iconic moments of sport, with Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal clinching the world championship for a northern hemisphere team for the first time.

The historic triumph brought a wealth of accolades for Sir Clive, who was named BBC Coach of the Year and International Rugby Board Coach of the Year in 2003. The following year, he was knighted and took the UK Coach of the Year title. In 2005 he joined Southampton Football Club as Performance Director and later Director of Football.

Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “When Sir Clive last spoke to the region’s entrepreneurs at our first ever annual conference in 2004 it was a truly inspirational occasion for everyone who was present and is still talked about with great enthusiasm.

“Sir Clive is not only a national hero and a genius in sporting terms, he is also a visionary who sets challenging and sometimes controversial expectations. His track record in both rugby and business is exceptional, aided by his remarkable motivational skills. We are thrilled to have him back in the North East.”

The Lessons in Leadership master class takes place from 1pm-5pm on April 20. Places cost £75+VAT for Forum members and £95 +VAT for non-members.

For further information click here and to book contact the Forum on 0870 850 2233, or email info@entrepreneursforum.net

25th March 2010 - O Tops North East PR RankS In Power 100 List

Founder of Ouseburn PR and communications agency Kari Owers has been listed as the highest ranking North East PR professional in The Drum’s Power 100 List 2010.

The news of the ranking, which is published in The Drum magazine following a public vote, comes hot on the heels of the agency boss’s inclusion in this year’s PR Week’s Power Book list.

The national recognition for the growing agency came as it prepares to enter its 5th year in business, and backs up its Outstanding Consultancy of the Year recognition at CIPR Pride Awards last November.

Commenting on coming 38th in the Power 100, Kari said: “It’s great to be gaining some recognition outside our North East heartland. We’ve had a bit of a run lately on accolades, which is superb for our awareness, but I always say it’s what our clients say about us that really matters. We’re focussed on driving clear return on investment for our customers through effective media relations, new media and brand communications.

“Our client base is growing day by day, and the variety in our portfolio from property to arts, enterprise to technology is a great pleasure to work on. The introduction of video and social media has shaken up the way our clients look at their modern communications, and we are in a great position to open their minds to new ways of reaching their audiences. It’s nice to be voted into the Power 100, but we aren’t resting on our laurels.”

O Communications employs 10 people at Woods Pottery, in the creative quarter of Ouseburn.

23rd March 2010 - Eclipse Celebrate Super Reseller Status

North East-based telecommunications provider Eclipse Networks has been awarded Super Reseller Status by national communications supplier, Kcom (formerly Kingston Communications).

The rare award is one of only a handful to be awarded by Kcom, and celebrates the increase in sales that Eclipse has achieved since the beginning of its partnership with Kcom two years ago.

Eclipse, based in Gateshead, which sells to both resellers and end users, has seen sales dramatically increase since the company was formed just five years ago, and predicts to double turnover within the next three years.

James Drake, founder and former Kcom employee, says he set Eclipse up to be a different business within the marketplace, one that focuses on customer service, flexibility and price.

James said: “‘We have been a Kcom reseller for nearly two years, and they supply us with a wide range of geographic numbers and data products. Our partnership with Kcom has enabled us to grow substantially and offer wider, more complex solutions.”

The year 2010 bodes even more growth as the dealer side of Eclipse works closely with IT and other technology companies, outlining the opportunities available to them by offering customers telecoms based solutions.

Kcom account manager Martin Taylor said: “We have a great relationship with Eclipse. This is largely down to their understanding of the opportunities and complexities within the telecoms industry, coupled with Kcom’s strong communications heritage and our ability to provide solutions for the more complex aspects of the telecoms market.

“Our strong relationship has resulted in Kcom being chosen as the primary supplier for all of Eclipse’s outbound minutes, resulting in a 10% margin growth for them. This shows how hard Eclipse has worked, and we are proud to name them as one of our Super Resellers.”

James concludes: “We have always placed progress at the front of our mission statement, so for us being proclaimed a Super Reseller by a communications provider such as Kcom is something we are very proud of, we are looking forward to building upon another successful year in business with them throughout 2010.”

Kcom presented Eclipse with their commemorative plaque at their head office this month, officially marking their status as a Kcom Super Reseller.

22nd March 2010 - Paula leads the way with new Adaptive approach

One of the region’s top leadership and development facilitators is paving her way to success with a new approach to help organisations adapt and grow in changing business climates.

Paula McCormack, who owns Newcastle based Paula McCormack Ltd, (formerly known as Ellmac) has relaunched the business with an innovative approach called The Adaptive which has resulted in a number of new contracts including one of the North East’s most recognised people and property businesses, Gentoo.

The Adaptive was inspired by Paula’s experiences over the past 20 years of working with organisations, leaders and individuals. The dynamic new approach is designed to support and develop organisations and their people in order to transform working lives, using a more personal approach to business and offering clarity, vision and direction.

Paula said: “After 20 years of working in organisational and personal development, the time was right to set up Paula McCormack Ltd, and to launch a fresh new approach. I have been developing The Adaptive over several years and am currently turning my work into a series of books, downloads and audios aimed at leaders, individuals and organisations world-wide”.

The first client to experience The Adaptive was Gentoo where Paula has been developing its Organisation Development team to improve their own coaching skills.

Lisette Nicholson, head of people development at Gentoo, said: “Paula’s Adaptive Coach concept had all the ingredients, values and ethos that we were looking for to give us confidence in our coaching abilities.

“It’s an enlightening process and a great learning experience - the standard of development we’ve received has been phenomenal. The skills that we’ve been equipped with are an asset to the toolbox of any manager or leader and we’re looking forward to working with Paula in the coming months as the programme evolves.”

Following on from the success of The Adaptive approach at Gentoo, Paula has also secured a string of contracts including North East housing provider ISOS, Skills for Care, and Tees Valley Council.

Paula began her career as a development facilitator and is passionate about life long learning. Alongside her experience in the field of Human Resources and Development, Paula is a qualified NLP Practitioner, Hypnotherapist and Counsellor, an Accredited MBTI®, FIRO-B, 16PF and HAY Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and holds a BA (Hons) Business Studies and PG in Strategic HR Management.

Over the past 20 years Paula has achieved great results for clients who have included Dementia Care Partnership, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, ONE NorthEast, Seven Stories, Skills for Care, Tristar Homes, Jackel International Ltd, North Eastern Care, Alnwick Gardens and North Tyneside Council.

To find out how Paula McCormack Ltd can help your business, contact Paula McCormack, 11 Maling Studios, Hoults Estate, Walker Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, 0191 275 9444. Email: paula@paulamccormack.co.uk. Website: http://www.paulamccormack.co.uk/

18th March 2010 - Enterprising Places Goes Beyond Britain

Enterprise UK and ONE North East support the North East Enterprising Places Network's fourth workshop.

The Network provides a direct link the national Enterprising Places Network launched in 2008 and to similar regional networks elsewhere in United Kingdom.

The Enterprising Places Network is a sounding board for policy makers and practitioners and an open forum to share learning and successful practice. It provides a Place-led perspective to regional and national enterprise strategies. The Enterprising Places Network seeks to enable local areas to share useful information and individual success stories.

The network aims to capture and develop a community of interest through an interactive website, encourage visits to innovative and successful enterprises, and link them to key decision makers and aspirant initiatives. This is the fourth of a series of Workshops to be promoted by the Network in the North East of England.

Enterprising Britain is a nationwide competition to find the UK’s most enterprising place, one where innovation and enterprise have helped transform a community and led to improved economic prospects for all.

This is the competition’s sixth year and Enterprise UK has responsibility for running the competition on behalf of BIS, aiming in 2010 to:

• Encourage people to get involved, make their ideas happen and inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs;

• Celebrate the success of enterprising places throughout the UK;

• Provide inspiration for others.

The workshop provides an opportunity to learn of important changes to the competition for 2010 as well as learn from the experience of Scarborough Renaissance Partnership, the winner of Enterprising Britain 2008 and the European Enterprise Awards 2009, and the current regional winner, Go-Wansbeck.

The workshop will consider:

• What makes an enterprising place?

• What does a successful Enterprising Britain bid need?

• Is there scope for a national or European winner from the North East?

Further details will be available once you have registered for the event. To reserve your place log on to: http://beyondbritain.eventbrite.com2

17th March 2010 - Another Chance To Mix Business With Leisure

We are pleased to offer the third in the series of events mixing business with leisure. by holding an event at the Baltic in Gateshead. The event offers the chance to view the work of internationally acclaimed artist Jenny Holzer.

This major exhibition consists of paintings, sculptures and Holzer's spectacular LED installations. Already marked out by The Guardian as 'one to watch', this exhibition is set to be a highlight of the Baltic season.

Following the feedback from the second mixing business with leisure: "Can we have more please?" Canapés and drinks will be served in the Level 5 viewing box, this space has fantastic views over the Tyne and also looks out over the Level 4 Gallery offering a unique perspective on the exhibition. This space is usually reserved for Baltic Partners and is not available for hire.

The tour will be led by Laurence Sillars, BALTIC's Chief Curator, who will deliver an introduction and take us through the exhibit. Places are limited and this invitation is open to all associated with the Entrepreneurs' Forum and their business friends, as well as anyone who would like to come along to a fusion of business and leisure.

Date: Thursday 25th March 2010
Venue: BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
Time: 6.30 pm

The event is charged at £15 + VAT for members and their guests. The event will commence at 6.30pm, concluding at 8.30pm.

Booking
To book your place please call the Entrepreneurs' Forum on 0870 850 2233 or email info@entrepreneursforum.net

15th March 2010 - Steve Scores With Samsung

Despite Beckham's injury, World Cup fever is starting early for award-winning telecoms engineer Steve Williamson, who has taken delivery of a top of the range Samsung widescreen television, as his prize for beating off 300 competitors to score the UK Samsung Engineer of the Year award.

The award is open to all of Samsung’s Network Division engineers across the UK, and the prize is awarded to the engineer judged to have shown the greatest engineering ability and knowledge, and who has consistently delivered a top notch problem solving and customer care service.
Steve, who is a senior engineer in the new unified communications division at Gateshead-based technology experts ITPS, was completely in the dark about his nomination, which was made by Gary Ross, ITPS’s unified communications sales manager.

Steve’s role at ITPS sees him implement Samsung telephony solutions and applications as part of technology that integrates voice, video and data into IP communications, designed to help businesses reduce costs and improve efficiency.

The Samsung judging panel of senior executives praised Steve for his ability to consistently manage complex issues, and work with Samsung’s own engineer team on continuous product development.

Andrew Kenyon, Samsung’s product and technical services manager, said: “In a fast moving and pressurised customer engineering environment, being highly self sufficient and able to manage complex issues is a prized attribute for any telecoms engineer. Manufacturers are sometimes equally as reliant on their reseller’s engineering capabilities as they are on their in-house team, and a situation that needs that extra bit of skill or self sufficiency needs an outstanding engineer who can deliver high levels of customer and manufacturer support.

“Steve’s ability to ‘own’ an issue, whether it’s a simple one-off query or a complex situation where he works in parallel with us to find a solution, was a key factor in his success.

“He won the award in the face of a lot of competition. Over 300 other engineers from across the UK were put forward, so he can be very proud of his achievement.”

Steve, who lives in Hadston in Northumberland, said: “Winning the award was a complete surprise as I didn’t even realise I’d been nominated.

“Helping to bring together all the strands that streamline an organisation’s communications can be a challenge, but it’s all part of the day to day job of delivering what we promise to our clients. It gives me great satisfaction to be part of a team consistently delivering successful projects.

“Of course the icing on the cake would be if I get to see England score the winning World Cup goal on my new TV now.”

ITPS launched the new unified communications division in response to demand from businesses looking to streamline information delivery by unifying computer networks, handheld devices and telephone systems to create smoother, more efficient communications and improve productivity.
Kevin Almond, head of ITPS’s unified communications division, said: “We were delighted with Steve’s well-deserved win of this prestigious award.

“Our engineers play a critical role in the smooth installation of technology solutions that mean businesses can access and manage data, messages, contact books and other information from any device and any location.

“Steve’s hard work and commitment has made a real contribution to the success of our new division and we are very pleased that his talent has been officially recognised by a world leader in communications technology.”

‘IF WE CAN, YOU CAN' Challenge launches for 2010

Today marks the launch of the third ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge, a region-wide competition set to re-ignite and celebrate North East England’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The Challenge calls upon any individual who is thinking of starting a business, running their own business or looking to grow their existing enterprise to enter the Challenge and log on to tell their story - adding to a growing online community of entrepreneurs, each at different stages of their journey.

The campaign is built on the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s well established principles of peer-to-peer support, where personal stories and guidance from experienced current business owners help nurture budding and existing entrepreneurs.

Over the last three years, the campaign has generated a growing online community of enterprising people who provide each other with support and make the most of the creativity and talent in the North East’s business community.

This generates a win-win situation for everyone involved, not just helping new start-ups but also helping to highlight some of this country’s most successful entrepreneurs and their critical role in the economy.

The Challenge for the previous two years have been hugely successful, not just in terms of the number of entrants but in celebrating their passion and overwhelming drive to succeed. The response has highlighted the thriving entrepreneurial drive in the region and epitomises the ‘If we can, you can’ attitude.

In spite of the current climate, there are plenty of opportunities and the ‘can do’ entrepreneurial spirit shown by previous entrants is a shining example of this. This year is expected to be no exception with everyone who enters benefitting from being part of a growing online community of like-minded entrepreneurs at www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk.

Members are able to share their unique business insights and inspirational stories as well as using mentoring, business matchmaking and ‘pick our brains’ tools. To date, the growing online community stands at over 700 entrepreneurs and 100 mentors who are on-hand to share a unique insight with those looking for guidance.

Carole Beverley, Chief Executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum said: “Being part of this community is empowering and inspirational. The Entrepreneurs’ Forum has established a fertile and nurturing environment where the sharing of experience is encouraged at all levels and the online community of If we can, you can highlights our belief that everyone in business has something to offer. The people within this community are becoming ever more ambassadorial when it comes to entrepreneurship in the North East – by shouting from the rooftops ‘If we can, you can’.

“The ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge is about celebrating and encouraging people with the vision, passion and determination to make a business work. This year, more than ever before, entrepreneurship is at the forefront of the region’s economy and presents an exciting, independent career option for those looking to realise their enterprising potential or simply want to take their career in a new direction .

Carole continued: “There is no reason why the economic downturn should affect anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations. Today’s business environment is ripe with opportunity for innovation and instead of dwelling on fears, it's a great time to grab chances that arise. Over the next eight weeks we are encouraging as many people as possible to enter the If we can you can Challenge. This is a fantastic opportunity, not only for you and your business or business idea to feature in the local press, but also to become part of a growing community of like-minded entrepreneurs. The next faces of entrepreneurship for 2011 are out there somewhere, so why not give it a go?”

The Challenge leaves no doors closed in searching for the future faces of entrepreneurship. Whether it’s someone wanting to turn a great business idea into reality or someone who has already taken the leap of faith and are making the first steps in running or growing their own business, the ‘If we can, you can’ challenge is open to everyone.

The Challenge whittles down entrants to a short-list of five entrants who will then be offered the chance to meet a ‘Pick Our Brains Opportunity’ panel to discuss business ideas with last year’s finalists and senior Entrepreneurs’ Forum members.

Two will then go into the final and be put forward for the public vote, with the winners announced on the 17th June. Last year’s Challenge saw over 100 seasoned, emerging and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the region enter.

The competition, aiming to seek out and nurture the region’s inspirational entrepreneurial talent, also struck a chord with the public, with over 3000 votes cast to decide the eight sub-regional winners.

For the first time ever, this year the Challenge has incorporated a special tribute for the ‘Best Entrepreneurial Supporter’. Any entrepreneur that enters the Challenge will be given the chance to acknowledge and show thanks to the person that has given them that vital support throughout their endeavours. That person could be someone close to them; a friend or family member or it could be a business advisor from a support organisation. The winner will be given special recognition and an accolade to show appreciation for their support.

The ‘If we can, you can’ campaign is driven by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and funded by One North East. It aims to actively address the region’s current business shortfall by unlocking the entrepreneurial potential among the general public.

The campaign runs in line with the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) ‘Leading the Way’ which identified the region’s key challenge as growing the value of its economy to 90 percent of the UK’s average. To achieve this, the North East needs between 18,500 – 22,000 new VAT-registered businesses by 2016, while encouraging existing businesses to sustain and grow.

As of today, entrants have until the 3rd of May (midnight) to log on at www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge and put themselves forward. For more information, to tell your story or to find more about the campaign, you can also visit http://www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/

Prize details

The Faces of Entrepreneurship 2011 will spearhead next year’s campaign, appearing in ongoing campaign advertising and publicity. They will also receive:

• A ‘money can’t buy’ surgery, giving you wide access to senior Entrepreneurs’ Forum members and other senior entrepreneurs across the region;

• A business gadget;

• A business services package - worth up to £5,000;

• Ongoing advice - qualified support, signposting and guidance on potential sources of finance;

• A place at Entrepreneurs’ Forum Annual Conference and Dinner on 20th May worth £270; and

• One year’s membership of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

It Never Rains But It Pours At Northern Washrooms

While many small businesses are sinking under the weight of the recession, a Consett Company is managing to survive the storm. Northern Washrooms, a washroom equipment company that started up almost two years ago, has forged ahead in the market place with new products that promise to significantly reduce businesses’ water bills.

Northern Washrooms is a privately owned local company that prides itself on offering high quality products with a superior service.

The brainchild of Chris Lowery, 32, who prior to forming the company in March 2008, was the No. 1 Area Sales Manager for Wessex products. These Environmentally friendly products such as the Veltia hand drier, Dyson Airblade hand dryer and Ureco Urinal Sleeve Sytem can save £££s off a company’s water consumption with the added advantage of cleaning pipe work in the process, thereby eliminating blockages.

Northern Washrooms Director Chris Lowery said: “The benefit to businesses using these highly advanced systems is huge. They save water and money, protect the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. The intelligent features of the units make operation and ownership very straightforward. We understand that our clients don’t just require the very best in washroom equipment; they also want safe, reliable and long lasting products. We guarantee to provide customers with a range of equipment that is second to none in terms of performance and affordability.

The combination of reliable products and high standards of customer care has resulted in quick growth to Northern Washrooms’ expanding client list, which includes Newcastle University, Rockcliffe Hall, RSPB Saltholme, several schools and entertainment venues.

Chris added: “In the last eighteen months we have increased our turnover by 20%, and I’m more than happy about that considering the current economic climate. I’m confident enough concerning the growth of the business that I have taken on a Business Development Manager, and have plans to increase staffing levels further within the next twelve months. We’ve just moved into larger premises on Consett’s Number One Industrial Estate – just next to Phileas Fogg, so I’m hoping that the international success of that particular company has a knock on effect for their neighbours! Many young businesses may feel nervous about investment, but I am naturally a positive person, with huge self-belief, and it has been said that the word “No” is not in my vocabulary! I am grateful for the support I have had from both Business Link and Durham County Council, who have certainly helped me to achieve phase one of my business plan. The only way is up!”

Joanne Urquhart-Arnold, Senior Business Start Up Advisor at DCC, said: “After developing a business plan with Business Link, Chris approached Durham County Council for further support and advice. He was fortunate to receive a start up grant from the Intensive Start Up Support programme which he used to purchase office equipment. In just over a year after he commenced trading from his home, Chris was able to move into his first business premises with further support from the Council’s Business Growth Grant”.

Joanne added, “Chris offers a wide range of technologically advanced and innovative products which have successfully targeted a niche market who are looking for washroom hygiene solutions in a cost effective and efficient way. Chris has worked hard to set up his first business and I wish him the very best luck for the future”.

Northern Washroom’s product range includes state-of-the-art hand-driers, feminine hygiene services, baby care, air freshening, air care, water coolers, dust control mats and logo mats.

http://www.northernwashrooms.co.uk/

Jobs Bonanza For Eutechnyx

Video games developer Eutechnyx is on a recruitment drive for around 20 new members of staff as it enjoys the busiest period in its history.

The Gateshead company will also be represented at two major overseas events this month which could help strengthen its global presence.

The firm is on the look out for several key positions including programmers, artists and a marketing director on the back of new license wins.

A company statement said: “Brand new licenses and expanding demand have created a lot of new opportunities.“We need a bunch of insanely talented, completely driven, altogether impressive people to fill out the ranks in our headquarters.”

Meanwhile, it is understood that the firm’s Far Eastern division will be represented as part of a Chinese delegation which will head to Japan later this month.Key figures from the government and the technology sector in Chengdu – where Eutechnyx has a development studio – will attend the hugely popular Tokyo International Anime Fair in the hope of building investment links with Japan.

Across the pond, Eutechnyx will also be represented at the world-renowned Games Developers Conference in San Francisco next week.The conference attracts over 17,000 programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals, business decision-makers.

Story courtesy of http://www.bdaily.info/

Spark Cleans Up With Soap And Glory Contract

Gateshead-based contact centre and fulfilment specialist Spark Response has won a new contract to provide trade fulfilment for the cosmetics brand Soap & Glory. Spark already works for BrandHandling, the owner of the Soap & Glory brand, providing fulfilment services for another of its popular brands, FitFlop footwear.

When the brand was launched in the UK three years ago, it was an instant success – almost five million pairs were sold in the first two years. Spark shipped pre-orders for women’s activewear retailer Running Bare, who were one of the first suppliers to stock the product for its UK launch and had taken thousands of orders from pre-registering custoemrs.

As public demand grew, Spark began to ship direct for BrandHandling’s trade customers in 2008. Now Spark is fulfilling orders for Soap & Glory’s trade customers, including high street retail giants Boots, John Lewis and Harvey Nichols.

The brand, which was launched in the UK in 2006, comprises a range of bath, body and beauty products and is the brainchild of Marcia Kilgore, the founder of the Bliss spa chain in New York.

Soap & Glory Cosmetics’ global sales and marketing manager, Victoria Montrasio, said: “We needed a logistics partner for our brand distribution in the UK who had experience in retail supply and compliance, added to which Spark Response’s successful support of our sister brand FitFlop made them an automatic choice.”

“Soap & Glory is a very popular brand so we’re delighted to win the business,” said Spark Response’s managing director, Peter Slee.

“We see ourselves as a partner rather than a supplier and winning Soap & Glory is a testament to the type of relationships we have with our clients.

“From supporting Running Bare during the FitFlop launch, we went on to win BrandHandling’s direct FitFlop trade business and have now further grown our partnership into supporting the Soap & Glory trade campaign. Although we’re probably better known as an eCommerce fulfilment company, there’s an increasing demand from companies like BrandHandling who need a partner to handle the supply chain aspect of their business, which is exactly what we do. This allows them to concentrate on product innovation and brand development.”

Mr Slee went on to say that Spark had won a further major eCommerce client, Kids Playstore, in 2008 through its FitFlop work.

“One of Kids Playstore’s co-founders was so impressed with the service she received from placing a Running Bare order that she asked them who their fulfilment partner was and got in touch with us,” he said.