Businesswise Solutions, Nelson

FORGED during the toughest economic times of 2010, Businesswise Solutions Ltd has beaten the odds to thrive and build a formidable portfolio.

Without bank funding or any savings or investment to see the company through the first few tough months, directors Frazer Durris, 35, and Dean Cockett, 32, have secured big-name customers and anticipate a £600,000 turnover for 2012/13.

The company, based in Lindred Road, Nelson, employs 11 full time staff and seven full time business partners, and specialises in advising sompanies on all aspects of their essential spend areas: communications, ICT, energy and logistics.

Using Frazer and Dean’s experience of sales and logistics, Businesswise Solutions brokers services on a company’s behalf, affording them the buying power of a larger corporate company.

A spokesman for the fim said: “We saw that there was a distinct void when it came to finding a ‘one-stop shop’ for cost saving alternatives, leaving businesses with the headache of juggling multiple suppliers.

“Research showed that people’s biggest issues when dealing with large companies, were poor customer service and lack of knowledge about their account.

“We took this on board, knowing that if we could provide a full service and offer frontline account management for the life of the contract, we would win business.” Four divisions have been set up under the ‘wise’ brand.

Holker Network Solutions, Colne

THE managing director of a Colne IT firm knows a bit about “going the extra mile” for customers - having set an office at his hospital bedside while he fought cancer.

Matthew Metcalfe, 30, was diagnosed with cancer six months after he and operations director Mike Ingham, 48, set up Holker Network Solutions, based at Holker Business Centre, Burnley Road.

Matthew underwent operations to remove a melanoma on his left leg and his lymph glands, but refused to let his illness get in the way of his fledgling company.

Matthew, 30, said: “I was in and out of hospital for three months, so I set up my laptop and iphone and just got on with it.

“I was taking support calls off customers right up to being wheeled down for nuclear medicine and a load of needles put in my leg.

“But it’s about dedication and getting on with business.”

Holker Network Solutions was founded in June 2009, after Matthew and Mike were persuaded their skills in IT and sales would combine well, by Matthew’s mum Dennise Metcalfe, and Mike’s dad, Ken Ingham.

The parents knew each other after Dennise spent 20 years as group finance controller at Ken’s enterprises across East Lancashire.

Jay-Care, Burnley

A STAIRLIFT and mobility company is moving in the right direction thanks to a staunch “can do” ethic.

Jay-Care was founded in the back bedroom of Paul Anderson in Burnley, and in only six years has established an enviable customer base and a turnover of more than £625,000.

The company, which employs eight people in Keirby Walk, Burnley, has contracts for domestic and high-end mobility aids with the likes of Lancashire County Council, Capita Symonds, NHS and Calico Housing.

Mr Anderson, 43, said: “East Lancs is saturated with mobility companies, around nine within a 15 mile radius.

“Our success as the youngest by far within the area in my opinion stands out.

“We have had to fight and take on the big boys, and I feel that we have come out on top generally, and at worst, held our own.”

Mr Anderson launched the company after more than 20 years in the industry and puts his success down to good customer service.

He said: “I’m now in my 27th year, after starting as a stairlift engineer on a YTS contract as a 16-year-old.

“I went on to be a service manager, into sales, then became a rehabilitation specialist working with equipment for people with severe injuries, then I became general manager of the company I started with.

“I took their turnover from £800,000 to £2million in four years. At that point I knew that if I didn’t try to start up my own company then I never would.”

Trading as Jay-Care, the company’s registered name is Jacob Anderson Ltd, named after Paul’s son who was born when the company was founded.

Paul’s wife Louise, an occupational therapist, has also joined the team, with the aim of delivering thorough and professional care for customers with specialised needs.

Paul added: “This is genuinely a family company, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do everyday. If you do this job right, it means making life for customers more bearable.

“We have a ‘can do’ attitude.

“Our quality stands out by the consistent return of our customers. Our flexibility and accurate advice produces trust.”

New premises are soon to open in Rossendale, giving Jay-Care access into the adjoining Rochdale and Bury areas.

After that Mr Anderson hopes to open more branches and further develop areas of sales, service and professional links such as NHS contracts.