Somerset-based photocopier and print solutions supplier SDS (Southwest Digital Systems) is celebrating 20 years of success as a partner of Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd. Established in October 2002, SDS has been a partner of Konica Minolta since its inception and a sole partner of the brand since 2006.
Formed in 2002 by Sales Director Nigel Gass and Finance Director Paul Macfarlane, SDS initially used another provider’s products but rapidly moved solely to Konica Minolta.
We soon decided that Konica Minolta’s products are the best on the market and perfect for our customers. We also share the same business ethics of trust and a customer service-led approach which has proven to be the perfect approach over the last two decades. The business community in the Southwest is largely driven by word-of-mouth and personal recommendations, so we have always strived to deliver the best possible service and to work with the best strategic partners to grow our market share.
With an elite team of 10, SDS is focussed on delivering exceptional customer service (and has been recognised by three Commerce Business Excellence Awards) and the best business solutions for its customers. Nigel commented, “Working exclusively with Konica Minolta gives us a highly reliable and effective route to market and means we can focus our product stocks and technical training to deliver the best sales and support service to our customers.”
Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the accelerated move towards hybrid working, SDS has evolved with these needs by catering for home workers and developing bespoke Document Workflow solutions developed by its in-house team. The Southwest market has remained buoyant for SDS with the legal sector, estate agencies, and the construction industry being key areas. The business ecosystem connected to Hinkley Point power station and the upcoming sustainable Gigafactory site at Gravity business park near Bridgwater offer considerable market potential for the company.
Nigel added, “Despite the broader socioeconomic issues, SDS has recorded two of our highest quarterly profits ever over the last two years, and local opportunities from both the Hinkley Point and Gravity sites are extremely promising. We have grown our MIF (Machines in Field) numbers from 950 in 2018 to 1470 in 2022 and in close partnership with Konica Minolta we are delivering sustainable Net Zero solutions to support our customers’ evolving needs. Undoubtedly our close partnership with Konica Minolta, highly available team, local customer-first approach, and expert service offering have helped us win new business when our competitors have struggled to maintain service levels.”
Cameron Mitchell, Business Leader for Indirect Channel at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd also commented, “With local knowledge and understanding of customer needs being essential, the Southwest is a challenging region for vendor direct sales. SDS is the perfect partner for us, combining this local expertise with an excellent knowledge and understanding of Konica Minolta’s range and virtually an extension of our business, but with the essential local agility and responsiveness customers demand. We are delighted and proud to be celebrating 20 years of close and trusted partnership and look forward to our continued relationship.”
