Securing record breaking end of year sales and developing a business plan to grow its export channels.
The small business that started from the dining room table of its M.D Martyn Rowlands, three years ago, has gone from strength to strength. Its internet business driving 60% of its orders and leading to this local rural business becoming a significant player in both national and international fields.
Pipekit recorded its best end to a financial year in 2014 which helped the business to exceed its original three years sales target. Leading Martyn Rowlands to predict that the 2014/2015 year for the business will exceed sales predictions without even accounting for new growth.
Martyn Rowlands said: “We recorded significant sales growth last year despite heavy investment in the form of infrastructure and staff. Year four will be about consolidating and pushing on. Focusing on growing sales and profits, whilst cementing our reputation as a ‘go to’ company for technical advice and support”.
Pipekit’s push to become a leader in its field of specialist plastic pipe distribution will be undertaken on three levels; local, national and international but the business sees export as significant to achieving this ambition. Martyn Rowlands continues: “Export currently accounts for 10% of the business and is something we are keen to foster. We will be looking to work with the UKTI and Shropshire Chamber moving forward to build on and maximise the export opportunities out there”.
Pipekit recently supplied a large order of Vulcathene, a chemical drainage product used for laboratories, to a Tanzania Schools Project in Africa. A project that involves the design and build of a number of new schools across the country. Plus last week, the company received an order to supply Durapipe ABS pipework for a building services project in Gibraltar.
Martyn concludes: ”Being a rural business we knew the importance of developing multiple routes to market from day one. Investing in a full e-commerce website, allows online customers, wherever they are, to find a product and order it with us easily and quickly. We are reaping the dividends of this continued investment and are looking forward to what this will bring”.
Its business successes and entrepreneurial spirit were acknowledged twice this year by being shortlisted in the new business category in the inaugural Shropshire Star Business Awards and winning the Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday initiative #SBS on Twitter.
In addition to its internet business, Pipekit’s local trade is also vital. Last year’s investment in the new trade counter, showroom and warehouse provision, will ensure local customers can benefit from an extensive range of stock and experience face to face technical advice and support six days a week. Plus benefiting from next day delivery across the region.
Pipekit invested heavily in its last financial year, taking on an extra 1,800 sq.ft. premises to extend its original warehouse capability and adding to the sales and customer service team, bringing the personnel from two to six.
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