Bullish Stone chief eyes growth

Simon Harbridge plans services push as he gets to grips with new chief executive role

Stone Group's newly appointed chief executive is confident of a successful future for the education specialist.

Speaking to CRN, Simon Harbridge, who took over the role vacated by incumbent James Bird in October, explained his first task will be to build on services, as the firm looks to provide a solution-led approach to customers.

He stressed that growth would be mainly organic, although he refused to rule out acquisition entirely.

"This is not a revolution, it is an evolution," Harbridge said. "Stone is already a strong and stable company and I am looking to carry on growing the range of services and professional solutions that we offer customers.

"We are on the verge of releasing our best-ever results and that is down to our solid customer base," he said.

He added the public sector will continue to be a main focus for the firm under his stewardship.

"Stone will always be predominantly public sector - we have always specifically understood the public sector and we are always number one or two on the list when it comes to tenders. We are marked very highly," he said.

"Customers may be spending a lot less, but they still have budgets and there is pent-up demand for equipment - it is there and growing."

Harbridge said that aside from growing the solutions side of the business, the growing demand for devices is also a positive area, as is the firm's recycling operation.

"Next year is going to be more of the same. I am delighted to be taking on the role - it is a strong team and a well-established and stable company. I am pleased to have the support of our investors and staff," he added.