At the heart of Simply Tapes is an in-depth understanding of the business and the customer base.
Richard Prior and Chris Long met in 1999 when they were employed at a packaging company. But their employer hit financial problems and in late 2000 Richard was made redundant. It was clear to Chris that his job was also under threat and so the two men decided that the time was right to set up a business of their own.
In 2001 their first business launched. Providing packaging materials and using the experience they had gained in their previous roles, the company grew to occupy a 5000 sq ft warehouse, employ 9 people and run a fleet of 4 vehicles. They won several business awards including Shell LiveWire Young Entrepreneurs in 2002 and New Company 2001 in Essex Business Awards. Despite initial success, high overheads and bad debts convinced them that there had to be a better option. An analysis of their existing range led them to consider how they could provide a distinctive product to the customer using branded tapes of all varieties.
The new business – Simply Tapes – launched in February 2008 from the Colchester Business Centre in George Williams Way, managed by Colbea.
As Chris points out: “Tapes are an essential product for every business that uses packaging. Ordinary brown tape is a consumable item on office expenses, but branded tape can carry information, marketing messages or instructions and is highly visible.”
Simply Tapes has an impressive customer portfolio including government and education sectors as well as big names such as Lucozade Sport. But no business is too big or too small for their product. The ability to print any message on almost any type of tape presents customers with enormous options. In fact, many orders now come via marketing departments – demonstrating the shift in emphasis due to the added value of the product. From Chris and Richard’s point of view, the business has many key features not least of which are repeat orders, the ability to add value through design and colour, and the range of specialist tapes such as those suitable for freezing or with special adhesive qualities. Many orders come via the internet and the Simply Tapes website is a key new business tool.
The business is driven by a desire to provide exceptional customer service, as Richard explains: “We guarantee delivery and will do everything in our power to keep that promise. For example, our courier recently had his van stolen so we drove to our customer with a replacement product! But it’s the many ‘thank you’ messages and testimonials we receive from satisfied customers that makes our job so rewarding.”
Both Richard and Chris are full of praise for the environment in which they work. They highlight the benefits at the Colchester Business Centre that make life easier for them, including loading bay access, reception facilities, individual office security and the support services that effectively save them staff overheads. Richard adds: “The sense of community here offers huge support. With different businesses at different stages of growth there is always someone who has met a problem before and found a solution”.
Simply Tapes has plans for future expansion with innovative new ideas to extend their services and products. With their business acumen, positive attitude and dedication to getting it right first time, Richard and Chris are a duo to watch!
For information go to www.simplytapes.co.uk
