PRINTITRESELLER.UK 39 pretending to be telecoms or IT experts. If a client needs those services, we work with trusted partners,” Ranson said. Instead, the pair see opportunity in smart software and automation. Kent said: “Document management and AI are changing how businesses operate. Why shouldn’t a system recognise invoices and file them automatically? Although not a new concept, streamlining processes through AI takes away the need for cumbersome professional services and brings more affordable options to our customers.” Being an agile owner-managed business helps. “If we see something valuable, we don’t need a committee to approve it,” she added. “We move quickly, and that benefits our customers.” Ultimately, Certa MPS believes excellence comes from doing what you do incredibly well. “We stay in our lane, we stay accountable, and we genuinely care. That’s what builds trust and it’s why so many customers stay with us,” she concluded. www.certamps.co.uk But where we see real success is in customer retention. Schools, businesses, they value reliability, familiarity, and responsive support. We invest our energy in looking after the customers we have, and we grow organically through reputation and recommendation.” Certa MPS remains proudly independent, with long-standing partnerships including Toshiba, plus Ricoh for the education sector, and most recently Lexmark, chosen for its sustainability credentials and impressive seven-year warranty. “That warranty is fantastic for schools especially,” he added. “It lowers their long-term costs and gives them flexibility, and it helps us build upgrade paths without adding financial pressure.” Staying focused, looking forward While diversification is a trend across the sector, Certa MPS remains committed to its core strengths. “We’re specialists in managed print and our team has 20-plus years each in this industry. We won’t dilute that by Marking ten years in business is a milestone that Amanda Kent and Jack Ranson admit “almost crept up on us.” Since launching Certa MPS in Burgess Hill, they’ve grown to support a loyal customer base across the Southeast and have now moved into much larger premises to support their next chapter. “Our lease was coming to an end and the timing couldn’t have been better,” Ranson explained. “A plumber’s merchant unit nearby became available and it was ideal, around four times the size of our previous building. It means we now have dedicated areas for PDI and warehousing, instead of having to work around desks in an open-plan office. It’s made a huge difference to workflow and efficiency.” People first service With a close-knit team, including five field engineers, Certa MPS puts strong emphasis on proactive support and responsive customer care. Alongside recently appointing a Head of Operations, they now also have an in-house technician whose role includes actively monitoring customer devices, toner levels and remote diagnostics. “Technology is powerful, but it doesn’t replace people,” Kent said: “Remote monitoring tools are helpful, but they still need human judgement. We pair the technology with personal oversight so nothing gets missed.” Ranson agrees: “We adjust settings for each customer, spot anomalies and make sure meters and supplies are reporting properly. This hands-on approach means customers aren’t left wondering why a toner didn’t arrive or a machine wasn’t flagged. We stay ahead of issues so they don’t happen in the first place.” Growth through retention Like many in the industry, Certa MPS has seen buying cycles stretch and procurement methods evolve. But instead of chasing aggressive growth, they’re focused on building relationships and delivering long-term value. Ranson continued: “Reaching decision-makers is harder than ever. Michelle Ryder caught up with Amanda Kent and Jack Ranson, Directors at Certa MPS to talk about the company’s move to new offices, ten year anniversary and business strategy Celebrating 10 years DEALER PROFILE Jack Ranson and Amanda Kent
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