©Accurate Laser Cutting Ltd 2010

This week, Accurate Laser Cutting announced the opening of its first satellite branch in Leeds - the first step in a major, long-term expansion programme. With this branch scheduled to open in May 2010, I asked Commercial Director Jon Till about the company’s plans.

So, Jon, can you give me some background on Accurate Laser Cutting?

Well, in a nutshell we’re a young, dynamic, quick-turnaround laser jobbing shop. We pride ourselves on our high levels of customer service and we’re driven by a passion to be the best in our field. We have a proven and successful business model that is 100% geared to our customers’ requirements.

What’s the thinking behind the new Leeds plant?

Although our current base is in the West Midlands, it’s always been our long-term plan to roll out our business model across the country, so that eventually we can offer our services over what is, effectively, the whole of the UK. Mike Briggs, who’s going to be heading up the Leeds branch, is local to Yorkshire and will be a great asset to the business.

In what way?

Mike (a fully qualified senior laser engineer) is a problem-solver, a real grafter and has a wealth of technical knowledge. I’ve known him actually invent technical solutions to keep us up and running when no parts were to hand, past midnight on some occasions! He’s someone who relishes a challenge.
Over dozens of hours of meetings, in countless motorway services and other ad-hoc locations, we shook hands, pinned down the details and agreed the business plan and how best to move forward. I knew instantly he was the right man for the job. There was no way we were going to pass up an opportunity like this.

Are you concerned about starting a new venture in the current economic climate?

Obviously we are in mid recession, and we’re in a very competitive market at the moment. But I’ve always believed that if you get your business model right, you can get in there amongst the competition, carve out a niche for yourself and move very quickly into profitability. Clearly, you have to take a lot of factors into consideration - finance, location, premises, etc - but, if you get all those right, with the right person driving it all forward, I’m convinced success will follow.

Why Leeds?

For us, it was the obvious decision to make. Mike knows the area inside out, and of course it’s a really good location for servicing the rest of the north of England via the motorway network. With a permanent base like that, we can immediately start cutting costs to our customers in terms not just of time but also in terms of fuel, carrier costs and labour, not to mention the reduction in our carbon footprint. A lot of laser job shops boast UK coverage but, in reality, only manufacture in one place and then deliver using carrier services. When you’re shipping steel, this becomes an expensive way of operating. In reality, it could take over five hours or more for a round trip delivering from the Midlands to North Yorkshire. With a manufacturing base in Leeds, the potential savings are glaringly obvious; our model slashes delivery costs as well as saving time. We can thus pass on these savings to the customer, while offering a professional and comprehensive service with that all-important local touch.

What’s next for Accurate Laser?

Our plans don’t end there - this is just the initial step. We’re already discussing the location for our third manufacturing facility. I’ll keep you posted!