When trying to be cost-effective in relocation and growth, telecoms aren’t usually first on the list of considerations.
However Lancashire based telecoms company TechAdvance have helped save growing discount retail chain Home Bargains several thousands of pounds over the last ten years, by consolidating their telephone systems and project managing new installations.
TechAdvance first began work with Home Bargains in 2002, when they were relocating their head office to Axis Business Park, Liverpool. The Preston based firm project managed the entire process, which included installing the cabling infrastructure and consulting with other firms during installation.
Following the move, Tech Advance advised on telecoms systems in stores and over past decade have been ever-present during Home Bargains’ expansion from 15 branches to 280. The firm acted as an interface between Home Bargains and BT to ensure that installations were completed on time to a tight turnaround, which ensured branches opened on schedule, thus saving Home Bargains thousands of pounds in potential retail income.
Insider Media Limited recently reported that Home Bargains recently hit sales of £900 million and were planning on expanding to 500 stores with 12,000 staff in the next five years. In the annual report, TJ Morris’ directors claimed new outlets was one of the main drivers behind the solid results.
TechAdvance continues to provide services for Home Bargains to this day, making the process of opening new branches or relocating more manageable and cost-effective. Most recently the Preston company has overseen the installation of a broadband security feed, that allows CCTV from all branches to be streamed back to their head office live.
Speaking to Graeme McLoughlin, CFO of Home Bargains about Tech Advance’s impact on their growth, he proclaimed, “TechAdvance has provided superb expert advice and project management throughout the last 10 years. They have become a valuable and trusted extension to our business, taking care of the infrastructure and allowing us to focus on core business objectives and growth.
Convergence solutions and pricing moves at such a pace it is one of few areas we outsource to ensure knowledge and expertise is current. It is essential, however, to have a partner in this process that are transparent, trustworthy and capable of tacking ownership of value adding projects”.
Ian Hilton, director of Tech Advance, insists all they have done is part of the service they provide as standard. He stated, “There have been many instances where Home Bargains have been able to reduce operating costs year on year through our input, whilst maintaining significant growth. Plus it’s always a win to help a new store open and start trading on time when timescales are so tight.”
Ian continues, “Many companies are still spending too much time managing telecoms in-house via IT or finance management staff. They are busy and miss out on savings whilst taking too long to decide what to do that’s best for their business.”
Property Aspects appreciates the contribution to this article from Ian Hilton of TechAdvance who has worked in telecommunications for 22 years. For more information, contact Ian via Tel: 0845 389 2311 or E-Mail: ihilton@techadvance.co.uk
