Chess hails knockout FY 2013

Clever acquisitions and a focus on organic growth have helped firm grow through tough year

A low-risk acquisition strategy has formed the backbone of a successful FY 2013 for networking specialist Chess.

The Alderly Edge-based firm, which employs more than 250 people, posted a turnover growth of 23 per cent to £44m and EBITDA of £11m, up 49 per cent. Gross margin grew to 45 per cent, the firm claimed.

It completed more than a dozen acquisitions last year, which it claims has resulted in 84 per cent of their customers sourcing two or more products from Chess, and 63 per cent sourcing three or more.

David Pollock, chief executive of Chess, said: “We achieved our 2013 vision by continuously improving the knowledge, skills and performance of our people, including the introduction of our new ‘Academy training’ for all new starters which strengthens our ability to provide great customer service.

“We are, and have always been, an ambitious organisation with a desire to grow and be great at what we do. We strive every day to be the best of the best and to make Chess a great place to work and a great place to be a customer.”

Steven Dracup, managing director at Chess, added: “Chess is an energetic, hard-working, success-driven, fun and exciting place to work that attracts, retains and inspires people to give their best.

“The focus we place on our people has had a major impact on the level of service we provide our customers, resulting in 76 per cent of our customers entering into contracts for two years or more, guaranteeing our revenue streams and strengthening our long-term ability to best serve our customers.

“By providing our people with exceptional training, support and facilities our financial growth has continued to flourish. Our success in 2013 was rounded off when we acquired The CRM Business, the leading European partner of Microsoft Dynamics,” he said.