Document Solutions ends Xerox tie-up to pursue growth

Document Solutions has set its sights on expansion in 2008 after ending its single-sourcing deal with Xerox.

The Bradford-based supplier closed the Xerox partnership in order to pursue its "ambitious" growth plans

The company has also recently signed an agreement with Konica Minolta to distribute the manufacturer's Bizhub range of presses.

The 22-staff company, which is co-owned by brothers David and Steven Cavanagh, plans to open two regional offices in Leeds and Sheffield, one of which will open sometime in 2008.

Steven Cavanagh told printweek.com that the firm's previous single sourcing set-up proved "too restrictive" and "prevented the business growing".

The 16-year-old firm cited that the old arrangement prevented it from "growing outside the Xerox branding" and supplying a wider range of products.

Cavanagh said the company's reputation was "under increasing threat" as "key supplier service and support functions are relocated to the Indian sub-continent, amalgamated or contracted out".

He told printweek.com: "You need local customer support that both we and the customer can be familiar with – someone who can get to know the business they service."