Measurement specialist Hexagon Metrology UK begins new investment project

SHROPSHIRE instrument measurement specialist Hexagon Metrology UK has begun rolling out a series of new IT and customer service systems as part of a major investment project.

The Telford company has already gone live with a new CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system which is designed to complement the company’s reorganisation of its national sales team.

A new telephone system is set to be installed shortly while new IT operations for areas such as finance and control and aftermarket sales and service scheduling will be brought online over the coming months.

The 18-month long project is part of a multi-million pound IT scheme, which is being led by Hexagon Metrology’s parent company and includes other subsidiaries around the world.

The infrastructure investment has also coincided with the appointment of a new UK management team, which will spearhead a major expansion programme.

Brett Green, director of sales and marketing at Hexagon, said: “Not only do these new IT systems further improve the way we communicate with our customers, staff and international colleagues, but they also demonstrate a huge commitment to growing our business.”

Worcs flooring company announces new partnership to support growth

A WORCESTERSHIRE flooring company is joining forces with a leading kitchens manufacturer to increase its presence in the kitchen and bathroom market.

Evesham-based Karndean Designflooring is hoping its collaboration with Mereway Kitchens will help to ramp up revenues.

The partnership will see Karndean supply its vinyl flooring to Mereway through its Premium Partner Programme. It said this would give Mereway’s independent kitchen dealers access to the Karndean portfolio for the first time.

To accommodate the market, Karndean has introduced dedicated retail display stands to support the kitchen and bathroom trade and for retailers looking to further enhance their showroom it will be supplying a carousel swatch presentation unit with 18 shade cards containing Karndean’s complete product range.

Scott Cochrane, retail sales director of Karndean Designflooring, said: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Mereway Kitchens. It’s a strong move for both brands as our product ranges complement each other perfectly. Similar to us, Mereway are also a successful family operated British company with a strong product portfolio.

“By partnering we can offer retail networks a quality complementary product, allowing retailers to extend their offering.” 

Herefordshire chamber launches growth forum

HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is aiming to help its more established members take the next step on their path to growth.

To help it achieve this, it is launching a Hereford Powered Growth Forum in association with strategic chamber member Arrivista.

The forum is aimed at business owners that have been trading for more than two years and are looking to take their business to the next level.   

The event has been developed to address some of the challenges faced by SMEs during the growth of their business.

This inaugural event will feature a presentation by award-winning architect Alex Coppock, of Communion Design, based in Shelwick, Hereford who will be talking about the business development skills he has applied through working with Arrivista and how he has combined these with his architectural finesse to significantly drive his business forward.

The forum takes place on Wednesday March 19 between 4-6pm at the Three Counties Hotel in Hereford.