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A £1m stamp of approval

Kevin Feddy
3/ 7/2008

A FAMILY firm which supplies postal franking machines and other office equipment has received a £1m stamp of approval to support its expansion plans.

Nationwide Franking Sense , based on Moss Bank Way, Bolton, will use the cash injection from Royal Bank of Scotland to step up its leasing operations.

NFS is headed by managing director John Gilbert, who set up the company with sales director son Julian in 1992. Another son, Daniel, joined as operations director 18 months ago.

The business, which employs 30 staff, supplies photocopiers, printers and other equipment to more than 2,500 corporate customers, including Sainsbury's, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic soccer clubs, Bensons for Beds and Gazprom.

The Gilbert family is looking to expand turnover from £3m to £5m over the next two years by developing its leasing business.

New franking machines cost up to £10,000, so leasing has become an increasingly popular way for customers to replace their old equipment.

John Gilbert said: "Leasing forms part of our growth strategy, and we are keen to take advantages of the opportunities that exist in this market.

"The new funding will allow us to provide new and existing customers with a greater range of leasing packages."

A team at the RBS in Bolton arranged the funding. Business development manager Jon Thompson said: "Nationwide is a well run business that continues to perform well in a niche market. We are very happy to be given the opportunity to support its growth plans."

NFS has its own sales training academy, and Amy Gallagher became its first graduate earlier this year.