Gateshead-based Executel has beaten off stiff competition from communications firms across the UK to be appointed official service provider for the clothing giant which operates through some 350 retail outlets, has over 2,500 employees and comprises four womenswear brands: Jacques Vert, Windsmoor, Planet and Precis.
Phase one of Executel’s installation has equipped the firm’s Tottenham-based headquarters in London with a fully-integrated IP (Internet Protocol) communications platform to serve some 140 extensions. This in turn links seamlessly to a nearby distribution centre and has enabled the company’s North East sites in Seaham and Bowburn to operate as if under the same roof via remote extensions.
Of the significant contract win, John Robson, account manager for Executel, said: “Following a lengthy and highly competitive tender process we successfully secured the Jacques Vert contract which was a huge achievement and major coup for Executel.
“Since then, we have worked closely with Jacques Vert to fully understand the firm’s increasingly complex communication requirements and have subsequently provided a state-of-the-art integrated IP telephony solution from which the company can further grow its operations and evolve.
“Ultimately, the firm is looking to adopt a unified approach to communications and long-term plans include linking its 330 outlets and routing all voice and data traffic over a single network. We have delivered a scaleable and future-proof solution which will enable Jacques Vert to achieve this goal and we look forward to working with the firm to meet its requirements.”
IT manager & Distribution director for Jacques Vert, Chris Chalkley, added: “The relocation of our corporate and divisional head office at the end of last year gave us the ideal opportunity to commence a roll-out of VoIP-based telephony to support our four UK offices and 350 stores.
“After reviewing a number of solutions and installation partners, we selected Mitel and Executel, who made a combined pitch for our business. We saw Mitel’s experience in the retail sector and Executel’s in-depth experience of Mitel’s solutions as a winning combination.
“Executel project managed, installed the solution, fully trained all our head office staff and on the first two days of the office move had engineers on site to provide additional support. This to me showed their professionalism and high level of customer service.
“Over the next 18 months we will look to roll the solution out across all our operations and see Executel as a partner in this process.”
Established in 1997, Executel is the North East’s premier supplier of cutting-edge communication solutions and services. The firm currently employs a 35-strong workforce at its Tyneside operation, is on target to achieve revenues in excess of £7m within the next six months and is due to celebrate its tenth anniversary in October of this year.