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Company: Jaydons Ltd
Project: 1 supplier = 1 account = Zero hassle
Dates: Apr 2007 to Apr 2008
Attachments: 
How did the project start?
This project was brought about through personal experience. Having to go to numerous suppliers, whilst working for an SME - then spending precious time chasing up different order numbers, accounts and deliveries just to complete one single project.
What options did you consider?
We needed to create an online service for businesses that could access an e-commerce site and purchase everything they required under one roof, with a single account and one delivery. Offering customers "If we don't have it - ask jaydons" and we will try and get it for you. Looking ahead we also invested in a telephone exchange that will expand along with the business.
What help and expertise did you receive?
Cash doesn't grow on trees - so starting out alone, married with three children I approached Catalyst for assistance to help part fund the development of the e-commerce site. With the exception of the e-commerce site development everything was done in-house. That includes all of the policies that we feel so strongly about we have included them on our site.
Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?
Thousands of hours were spent on development, adding products onto the site which took several months. Leading up to what you see today. Design was also another issue as we needed a professional yet attractive site. We wanted businesses, the general public and e-procurement buyers not to be put-off by flash images, promos and gizzmos that you see on some other e-commerce sites, yet make it easy to use with minimal 'clicks' required to achieve a purchase.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
We have over 30 different key suppliers dealing with hundreads of manufacturers in: furniture, tools, kitchens, leisure & health products, electricals, garden, health & safety and recently sports equipment & nutrition - with more to come. We have UK wide logistics and stock availability at any one time in excess of £200m. Overall it has meant that an SME can compete for business with the 'big guns' and walk away smiling....
What are your plans for the future?
The teething period is over - Now it is time to promote the business and achieve new heights. Increase in revenue is always 'first and foremost' to help build a bigger and more robust business. National advertising in tabloid press should help increase hits to the e-commerce site to help achieve this along with registration to online tendering portals. Finally, if someone 'up-there' is looking down on the business - a trade store in the North East.
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