Balreed, which distributes Konica Minolta, Canon, Ricoh and Xerox kit, has invested £30,000 to move into a 2,000sqm-plus office space at the Almondsbury Business Park location of its former Bristol office. It has also taken on 50 new employees since the start of the year. 

Production print systems and servicing account for 25% of Balreed’s service revenues and this is expected to grow by 15% this year.

The new office space has seen Balreed install a new Innovations area to demonstrate kit, with plans for regular open days. It plans to install Konica Minolta and Xerox kit here.

Last year Balreed grew turnover 23% to £29m. “This year we are on track for significant growth and expect to achieve turnover of around £38m,” said Gary Downey, group marketing director, adding: “The growth is nationwide, in office and production markets.”

“Key to our growth is the quality of servicing we provide, the pre-sales and training analysts we have to help clients get the most from their systems, and the mixed portfolio we can offer as an independent,” said Downey. 

He added: “We have a unique way of looking after clients through what is called Managed Services. We have a team of specialists who monitor the live status of over 15,000 devices across the country and we pre-empt any potential problems. So for example, we would deliver a replacement toner cartridge for your printer at your office before you run out, and we do lots of things to keep you up and running.” 

Six of Balreed’s 50 new starters are based in Bristol and are a combination of telemarketers, account managers and field-based engineers. The company’s head office is in Kent. It also has regional bases in Birmingham, Wakefield and Gateshead.

Clients include not only commercial printers but also offices and in-house plants at a range organisations including housing associations, schools, media agencies, architects and barristers chambers.