Gateshead-based Executel has been appointed official service provider for the shoe manufacturer, which is currently one of the UK’s leading independent footwear retailers with 22 retail outlets, over 450 employees and two divisions, namely Charles Clinkard and Intershoe.
Executel’s installation has equipped the firm’s Preston Farm-based headquarters in Stockton with a fully-integrated IP (Internet Protocol) communications platform to serve some 60 extensions. This in turn links seamlessly via remote extensions to all 22 of the firm’s sites, thus enabling the entire organisation to operate as if under the one roof.
Of the significant contract win, John Robson, account manager for Executel, said: “From small beginnings, The Clinkard Group has grown steadily to become a UK leader in its field with an annual turnover in excess of £30m. We have therefore equipped the firm with a future-proof and reliable IP backbone from which the company can further grow and evolve its operations.
“The Clinkard Group was keen to move towards unified communications for its UK stores and we have therefore given them the means by which to achieve this, and in turn facilitated the seamless and cost-effective delivery of voice and data traffic regardless of site location.”
IT manager for The Clinkard Group, Roger West, added: “As a result of implementing an MPLS Broadband WAN in our stores in 2006, we wanted to fully utilise the new network, make savings on our telecoms expenditure and replace outdated and disparate telephone systems across our head office and stores.
“Executel’s solution has provided us with a state-of-the-art centrally managed and unified telephone system with standardised handsets across the whole estate. In turn, this has enabled free internal calls between remote locations, fewer line rentals and reduced maintenance on outdated systems.”
Established in 1997, Executel is the North East’s premier supplier of cutting-edge communication solutions and services. The firm currently employs a 38-strong workforce at its Tyneside base and last year achieved revenues in excess of £7.5m.