Kings Office Supplies
20 February 2025
Sector: Office Supplies
Location: South Derbyshire
Based in Willington, Derby in purpose-built offices, Kings Office Supplies was launched in November 2014. With over 30 years of industry experience, Managing Director, Laverne King leads an enthusiastic team of four employees (soon to be five) with passion and professionalism.
It offers a one-stop shop for office and business supplies including stationery, bespoke print, promotional gifts, workwear and PPE products, on a next-day delivery service.
Challenges faced
Kings Office Supplies operates in a highly competitive market which is a constant challenge. With over 1 million products available they also needed to drive more traffic to their website to boost sales but lacked the necessary marketing know-how. With a new product category about to launch, they also wanted to build brand equity and take on new employees.
Solution and Impact
The business heard about the fully funded Accelerator project through Sonny Lakhani, Business Adviser at East Midlands Chamber.
Accelerator is funded by South Derbyshire District Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is delivered by East Midlands Chamber. Sonny is providing one-to-one support to Laverne including a diagnostic to see where the business is now and create a plan for future growth.
Accelerator offers Growth Vouchers up to the value of £2,000 for specialist consultancy or training. The business successfully applied for a Growth Voucher which funded support from marketing consultant, Lindsey Newman-Wood.
Lindsey is helping to create a marketing strategy including brand development of the new product category, Bespoke Printed Merchandise, with a focus on Derby and the surrounding areas.
Kings Office Supplies recognised that all businesses need extra support, especially in the current climate. One of its biggest challenges has been reaching and engaging with new clients.
Laverne commented: “The guidance and support provided by Lindsey have been invaluable. Her insightful questioning and strategic suggestions have been highly productive, helping us think outside the box and identify key marketing challenges within our business.
“With Lindsey’s expertise, we have successfully structured a comprehensive marketing strategy, focusing on the areas most critical for business growth. More importantly, this plan has given us a clear roadmap for the future, ensuring a strong and sustainable path to success.”
Two new job roles have been created - Derby based Field Sales Executive and a Sales Manager, Furniture Division - because of this support.
“I am really excited to be able to work 1-to-1 with an adviser to help build the Kings’ strategy and increase sales turnover. I’m also delighted to have the confidence to be able to offer two new job roles.”
- Laverne King, Managing Director
This initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of South Derbyshire District Council.
