Expansion for family franking firm (From The Bolton News)

Expansion for family franking firm

1:44pm Thursday 3rd July 2008 in

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A FAMILY franking firm has secured £1 million of funding to expand its business.

Nationwide Franking Sense, based on Moss Bank Way, Astley Bridge, is an independent supplier of mail room equipment including franking machines, photocopiers and printers.

It was set up 16 years ago by father-and-son team John and Julian Gilbert after John was made redundant from a franking machine manufacturer. Julian's brother, Daniel, aged 32, joined the business 15 months ago as operations director, after working as a regional sales manager with DIY giant B&Q.

The family has ambitious goals to increase turnover to £5 million from the current £3 million within two years.

Part of that expansion involves growing the leasing arm of the business, which leases rather than sells the franking machines.

The Royal Bank of Scotland gave its stamp of approval to the project, with a loan of £1 million to help facilitate the firm's plans.

John Gilbert, managing director of Nationwide Franking Sense, said: "Leasing forms a key part of our growth strategy and we are keen to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in this market. This funding will allow us to provide our new and existing customers with a greater range of leasing packages."

He added: "With new franking machines costing up to £10,000 each, leasing has become an increasingly popular way for customers to replace their old equipment and Nationwide plans to expand the range of services we offer in this area."

The company, which employs 30 people, was the first non-manufacturer of franking machines in the UK to be approved by Royal Mail and their client base includes the likes of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, Sheffield United Football Club and the supermarket giant Sainsbury's.

Jon Thompson, business development manager at RBS, said: "Nationwide is a well run business that continues to perform well in a niche market. We are very happy to be given the opportunity to help support their growth plans and look forward to watching their progress."

Nationwide set up a training academy earlier this year to help increase the numbers of trained salespeople on its books.