01732 759725 6 BULLETIN Five years of Parallel In August 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, most businesses were battening down the hatches, but Parallel Managing Director Gavin Auckland, was doing the opposite - launching his own managed print business from what he calls ‘a rabbit hutch of an office’. Five years later, Parallel has evolved into a thriving group of companies, with new ventures like Parallel Logistics, a full board of directors, comprising sales, logistics, service, operations, and finance – all experts in their respective areas, and a growing reputation for doing things differently. “The print industry hasn’t changed much over the years, and that can make it stagnant. One of the biggest lessons for me was to embrace doing things differently. Different is better, and that’s something we’ve built the business on,” Auckland said. One of the big changes came in in September 2024 with the launch of Parallel Logistics. “I wanted complete control of the process from warehouse to installation, so we created a logistics business that now also works with other managed print providers. It means we control quality from start to finish and give no opportunity to pass the buck. “Most of the industry is used to installations taking days, with issues cropping up and things not working right away. We average about 20 minutes per device. Everything is set up exactly as promised, and it’s right the first time, every time,” he added. Looking ahead to the next five years, Auckland says that the biggest opportunities will be in technology, such as AI, automation, and IT services. “We’re positioning Parallel to be a one-stop shop - covering print, IT, communications, security, workflow solutions, and more.” As the industry evolves, Auckland and the team aren’t just prepared for change; they are actively building for it. With a new head office on the horizon, expanding services, and a close eye on emerging technologies, Parallel is positioned to not only meet the next five years head-on but smash expectations all over again. https://parallel-group.co.uk Partnership success PBS Communications is celebrating over a third of a century of partnership success with Konica Minolta. Reflecting on its long-standing partnership with Konica Minolta, PBS Communications’ Managing Director and owner Jonathan Pool said: “We launched in 1990, becoming a Minolta dealer a year later and have been a sole brand dealer ever since, with the only change being that we became a Konica Minolta dealer when the companies merged in 2003. There are considerable benefits to working exclusively with Konica Minolta, such as holding stock, sales expertise, product support and training, and service expertise, and these are amplified by the brand’s excellent reliability, quality, and performance of its products.” Cameron Mitchell, Business Leader for Indirect Channel at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) added: “We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with PBS and the individual contribution that Jonathan has made in championing our products. His unwavering commitment to excellence and passion for customer service have played a pivotal role in helping us reach new heights. We are excited about the future of this collaboration as we continue to bring value to our customers and continue Konica Minolta’s journey alongside PBS Communications.” www.pbscomms.com KRL Group recognised for sustainability KRL Group has achieved the Oh Yes Net Zero Gold Award. The award recognises its ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, operating more sustainably, and aligning projects with its sustainability goals. In a statement the company said: “From reducing waste during installations to choosing sustainable suppliers and improving energy efficiency across our operations, every step we take is part of building a healthier future for our community and planet.” www.krlgroup.net Local sponsorship Highland Copiers has announced it is sponsoring Scotland’s leading youth shinty development performance camp to help nurture the next generation of players over the next three years. The camp brings together the nation’s most promising young players for an intensive programme focusing on the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of the game. Highland Copiers said: “Shinty is such an important part of Highland life and culture, and we’re delighted to play a part in its future.” Ronald Ross, National Development Manager at the Camanachd Association, said: “The Performance Camp remains a cornerstone of our player development pathway. It’s always inspiring to see so many talented young players come together to learn, challenge themselves, and forge lasting friendships. We’re grateful to Highland Copiers for their support, which helps us make this experience possible.” www.highlandcopiers.co.uk Oyster named diamond partner Oyster has received the iTS Diamond Partner Award for its outstanding sales and continued support of PaperCut software. The award itself is crafted from responsibly sourced wood, aligning perfectly with both Oyster’s and PaperCut’s shared commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable solutions. www.oystermps.co.uk Gavin Auckland
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