A G Office Supplies
Based in Falkirk, AG Office Supplies was founded in 1990 as Anne Girvan was made redundant from an office supplies company going into liquidation. Anne seized the opportunity to set-up her own business and within the week AG Office Supplies was established securing many of her previous clients and employing two former colleagues.
The business is now part of a large buying group which allows them to offer clients a wide range of products at competitive prices. The team at AG Office supplies pride themselves on excellent customer service and a good knowledge of the local area.
Business requirement
In the early days business came easily but the recent recession resulted in a fall in turnover as customers ordered less and fewer businesses set-up in the area. The internet also brought increased competition from outwith the local area and the market was becoming increasingly price sensitive.
Although the business had developed a website and opted into marketing support from their buying group, the Directors felt further guidance was required to put together a marketing plan, improve their processes for generating new business and adopt more online promotional activity. SCE Enterprise was approached to provide this support and a business case was developed to obtain a help through the Scottish Funding Council Innovation Voucher Scheme.
Solution
SCE Enterprise identified a marketing consultant to work with the business and develop a marketing plan which they could implement themselves. The consultant researched the marketplace and put together a SWOT analysis for their business with a conversion strategy to overcome the threats and improve on their weaknesses. Products and pricing was reviewed with recommendations on which products to promote with a clear definition of the target audience. Processes and tools for business development were identified and suggestions made on how to sell more to existing customers.
The report recommended a new branding for the business, outlined a schedule for online marketing campaigns and how they could generate PR. Targets were recommended together with suggestions on how they could improve the productivity of their website.
Testimonial
“The Scottish Funding Council Innovation Voucher Scheme has allowed me access to expertise the business currently does not have. SCE Enterprise was pivotal to the process and ensured we were matched with a marketing consultant who could assess the requirements of the business and deliver a practical solution. The consultant independently researched the market place, reviewed the competition and developed a marketing plan. It was delivered in an easy-to-understand format and I’m confident the practical tips will be of real benefit to our business both in the short and longer term.”
Richard Girvan, Director, AG Office Supplies
