Bennett, hired specifically to develop and implement a sales strategy for Bex, has already transformed the firm’s sales approach through the introduction of a client relationship management (CRM) tool in January 2024, and the four-person team is now actively looking for recruits.

Bennett told Printweek: “[Bex] didn’t have a database – we had information in lots of different spreadsheets all over the place. Now, we can take more control and ownership over client acquisition, with a central information hub. [Introducing the CRM] was quite a big deal.”

Introduced to the software in January, the team underwent training throughout February. Now, notwithstanding the occasional teething problem, it has found the new system enormously helpful for ensuring smooth customer service.

“It helps us keep a consistent customer relationship, and total visibility, even when someone’s on holiday or sick, of the sequence of events.”

Bex supplies OEMs across the UK and Europe with short-notice printed components, like labels, overlays and membrane switches that often make up the final pieces needed in the assembly of machinery.

In 2024, the firm’s sales team will focus on building presence, with several trade shows to attend. In early February, the team went east from its base in Calne to Farnborough for Southern Manufacturing & Electronics.

“It’s already paid for itself, we had several orders from that show – so we’re looking forward to the next show,” said Bennett, who added that plans for June’s Smart Factory show were well underway.

Bennett came to the role with experience in media and print equipment sales, most recently as regional area manager at Allprint, which he joined in summer 2021.

Turning over around £3m, Bex employs between 35-40 staff. It offers a mix of digital and screen printing, with the digital work run through InkTec's Jetrix hardware.