Proudly providing quality equipment for printing, scanning and copying for clients across the county and beyond, Elmrep in Gloucester has been supporting local businesses and customers for 40 years — and to celebrate, its team is working with charities in Gloucestershire to give back to the community that's helped it succeed across the decades.
Managing director, Lee Summers, started at the company as a 16-year-old YTS trainee and has worked his way up the ladder for 31 years, learning the business inside and out.
Lee purchased Elmrep from the previous owner in 2011 and has since invested heavily in the company, including securing a unique monitoring system for its printers, giving its team the ability to know about problems and issues before their customers do.
He also extended the Elmrep product range to stock office tech such as air purifiers and interactive digital tables and displays — the latter targeting the care and education sectors, too.
He said: 'We have a lot of customers who have been with us for a long, long time and that was one of the main reasons why I took over the business. It felt like the right way to go.
'I personally go out to see our customers and the buck stops with me. A lot of our customers have been with us for over 30 years, with a handful having been with us for the entire 40 years that Elmrep has been running.'
His hands-on approach may be credited for the success, as the company's revenue tripled in the three years after he took over — thanks to successful business partnerships with clients from across Gloucestershire and the rest of the UK, such as Samaritans, Langley Wellington LLP Solicitors, Barnwood Construction, Cotswold Archaeology, Tayntons Solicitors and Bennetts Coaches.
After Lee purchased the business, its premises situated on Eastern Avenue in Gloucester underwent a major makeover, including outdoor landscaping and the fitting of a brand-new showroom.
Speaking on the refit, Lee said: 'Everything we have had done has involved local firms, or our customers, because I believe in supporting local businesses.'
And Elmrep continues to put emphasis on this as it turns 40 this year, with plans to show support to local charities in various ways such as sponsoring the Sunflowers Suicide Support Ball and running the Gloucester 10k taking place on Sunday 30 June 2024 in aid of the charity.
It's also working with the Hollie Gazzard Trust to take on group active bystander training workshops. The programmes offered by the charity are designed to teach participants about sexual harassment and how to intervene effectively as a positive bystander.
The team is also hoping to raise money for the Gloucestershire Deaf Association by hosting a quiz night in November 2024.
Hopeful for what's to come for the next 40 years, Lee finished: 'Our business is based on providing the best service we can give. That is how we have kept customers and why we look to the future with confidence.'
