ESE Direct In Norfolk Future 50 Class of 2013
This year ESE Direct was commended as one of the county’s leading businesses after being included in the Future 50 scheme on the first year of application. It has been a whirlwind year at ESE Direct which has seen considerable expansion, while improvements have been made to all areas of the business to pave the way for future expansion. After such a successful year, the company has more than earned its place alongside the county’s leading companies, with this now officially recognised with ESE Direct’s inclusion in Norfolk Future 50 Class of 2013.
The Norfolk Future 50
The Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Future 50 scheme rewards local businesses for hard work, drive and commitment and commends those who take risks to bring ideas to the marketplace. The scheme encourages collaboration between members and the sharing of ideas, and aims to bring the businesses closer together.
The key criteria the judges look for when selecting the top 50 companies includes a track record of continued and sustainable growth, a commitment to build on economic successes and take calculated risks as well as the creation of new employment opportunities in the county.
All members must show commitment, drive and enthusiasm to take the business forward, with the efforts already having made a significant impact on the marketplace or clearly demonstrate excellent potential for the future.
2013: A Year of Strong Growth for ESE Direct
It has been a busy year at ESE Direct. For the fourth consecutive year the company has more than doubled its annual sales figures. The business is now operating with a turnover of over £5 million and now sells over 20,000 products. This year the company has implemented a highly successful drive to increase its customer base, which now includes over 10,000 active customers.
The product range was also increased substantially to offer customers even greater choice and a new fully digital catalogue was developed to make ordering products quicker and easier. One of the major projects undertaken in 2013 was the redevelopment of the company website, which improve the flow and makes it easier for customers to find products, while product information is more detailed enabling customers to make a quick and informed decision about a purchase.
The ESE Direct team has been expanded substantially this year with the addition of seven new members of staff, including a new finance director, marketing manager and procurement manager. Each new member of staff brings a wealth of experience and new skill sets to ensure the company can take better advantage of future opportunities. The sales team also benefited from the addition of new and enthusiastic members of staff.
Building for a Strong Future
The company is now poised to commence a new phase of expansion to increase sales, improve conversions of visitors to customers and a new framework is in place to take the business from an owner-managed operation to a more traditional and efficient business structure to facilitate future expansion.
With the structure in place for the new phase of growth, innovative new products being added to the range and improvements to the back office support systems and website, 2014 promises to be an exciting year at ESE Direct, and the team is more than ready to take on the challenge.
