Pictured above: Rob Gordon
Following a successful 40 years in the domestic laundry sector,
Mansfield Launderette is going full steam ahead with expansion and
now also offers commercial laundry services, ironing and dry
cleaning.
Commercial Director Rob Gordon explains why the time was right
to move into new markets. "In its 40 years of operation, Mansfield
Launderette has had just three owners and the second of those
concentrated on the domestic market for over 25 years.
"The current team has owned the company for five years and has
maintained a consistent level of business. However the company's
continued success depends on bringing in new customers and raising
awareness of what we can offer to a wider market."
Re-launch and refresh
The objectives set by the owners were to update the business and
to raise awareness with an organised marketing campaign. It was at
this point that they contacted the local Business Link service for
assistance with expanding the business and finding sources of
support and funding, as Rob explains. "Our local Business
Link adviser has helped us discuss ideas and given us access to
avenues to help us expand the business. It is a significant help to
have a professional, impartial person who can act as a sounding
board for new initiatives."
In addition to providing access to general business support
available to help the company grow, Business Link also helped to
identify and access specialist funding for Mansfield
Launderette towards staff development.
Spreading the word
Armed with information and with the help of their Business
adviser, the team at Mansfield Launderette gave the premises a
facelift, developed a fresh new logo and introduced a new brand
awareness campaign.
"We've also launched a new marketing campaign with printed
leaflets being distributed to target clients such as local football
teams," adds Rob. "This has already resulted in more teams having
their kits washed at the launderette.
"Our objectives for the next 12 months are to increase our
customer base, turnover and profit," explains Rob. "It's easy to
get so involved in delivering the business that you lose the focus
you need to run it. I'm glad we contacted Business Link as they
have been able to help us take a step back to objectively review
and evaluate the business and our goals."
Rob's Top tips
• Understand why you are in business, is it for the
lifestyle or are you in it to make money.
• Standing still is going backwards. If you are not moving
forward the competition is.
• Have an annual plan with timeframes and make it a
priority to stick to it.