DISTRIBUTION PROFILE TECHNOTE – LITTLE BARFORD - TONY SMITH
As a mass-market supplier, Technote has been able to see off the threats that have doomed others in MI. Tony Smith tells us why it’s on the up…
Year Established: 1991 Number of Employees: Eight
Is business up or down compared to last year? In what is a tough business climate I am pleased to say we have increased our business over the year. We have achieved this simply by having the right combination of products and customer base.
How has the economic climate affected business?
Believe it or not it’s actually been our best time. We were hit by Woolworths going down, but after re-evaluating the way forward and making the necessary changes, I was really focused on getting additional customers and ensuring we spread our customer base to affect both our turnover and profit. The result last year was probably our best ever in business. Of course, the challenge now is to improve – going backwards is not on the agenda.
What are your best-selling lines and why do you think they perform so well? We have introduced our own brands. Jaxville, Rockburn and Martin Smith Guitars have been very successful lines, because they offer something different and focus on what the market needs. We have done very well with the whole Pink thing, and without question these lines have been very successful as some of the big retailers have taken them and sales of these items never disappoint. Accessories always do well and having
introduced accessory display stands in over 200 outlets, they bring in a good solid income.
How does Technote feel the UK market differs from other global markets? I think all markets are going through these tough times, this is a worldwide problem and I think dealers, distributors and manufacturers are looking to either consolidate, re-structure or try and reduce their overheads. Margins are getting tighter, so I feel anyone in business needs to focus – if you do
not, you simply will not survive, whatever country you live in. I feel the UK is better set than most European countries, but I am a little biased.
What distinguishes you from the competition? I think it’s been our attitude and products. I tend not to get involved in the politics that go on in the industry. Its not that I am not interested, but I would rather focus on what I need to do to ensure my business is successful than worry about others.
How do you maintain a good relationship with retailers? Good communication, a well-structured returns policy, competitive pricing and quick delivery of orders. I have a great team behind me, giving good support to our customers, which is very important.
What would you say is the biggest challenge facing the MI industry today? As a supplier to the mass-market customers I see independent stores facing tough times in terms of competing on price. I believe the volumes being sold via big retailers means a big opportunity for smaller stores to improve their education facilities in order to attract the many customers that have bought from the big retailers. Look at Roy Jevons of Dudley, he did this years ago and is doing very well, which proves if you focus on what you do best, you just need to work out the best way to sell it.
What are your aims for the next 12 months? I think for 2011 I would like to maintain our current activities. I’m not bothered about increasing our business, but we need to focus on our profitability. That will always keep the wolf from the door and start to increase business for 2012.
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: Technote, Vernon House, Alington Rd, Little Barford, PE19 6YH Phone: 01480 470320 Web:
www.technote.com Email:
enquiries@technote.com
SIGN UP FOR THE MI PRONEWSFLASH SERVICE AT WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
miPRO OCTOBER 2010 11
® GUITARS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84