News Release
Flexiform sits pretty with council contract
A Bradford furniture firm's growth plans have been boosted after signing a seven figure contract with Barnsley Metropolitan County Council.
Employing over 70 people, Flexiform manufactures and supplies bespoke furniture for a range of businesses throughout the UK, including King Sturge, Balfour Beatty and numerous government agencies.
The latest contract won with Barnsley Metropolitan County Council will see Flexiform fit out its new head office for 700 people at Westgate Plaza.
Managing director, Nick Hewitt, who has taken turnover from £7million to £9million since buying Flexiform from the Bullough Group in 2004, is now looking to build on recent success and increase sales further to £12million over the next three years.
In addition to its latest million pound contract, Flexiform will invest further in product development during 2007 with a new desking and storage range due to launch in April.
Flexiform since the buy-out has also developed a successful and growing £600,000 exterior storage business under the name of Asgard.
Steve Pollard, regional manager at Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance in Leeds, said: "There's been a significant change in the way Flexiform operates since we helped them complete their MBO in 2004. Management saw the potential within the business and recognised that an increasing number of firms don't want 'off the peg' office furniture, but instead prefer something a bit unusual that sets them apart.
"Investment in product development has been the number one priority over the last three years, and it's clearly paying off with this latest deal. "
Nick Hewitt, said: "It was crucial that when the management buy-out team took control of Flexiform we not only needed to build on our values of quality, but also become far more innovative in the way we work with our customers and the products we produce.
"Organisations throughout the UK have started to sit up and take notice and we're confident that this latest contract will provide an important platform to develop further within the public sector.
"Our strong relationship with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance is based on their understanding of our business. They supported our MBO in 2004 and their financial assistance has been crucial in ensuring we can take the company where we want it to go. Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance has ensured that we've always been in a strong position to realise our vision. "
