We’re thrilled to be celebrating 18 years in business, supporting clients in the North East and nationwide. Over the years we’ve cultivated some amazing working relationships and been able to give back and support some amazing causes and community projects.
Thank you, Northern Insight, for the feature in last month’s edition of the magazine, read the article in full below for more details.
During a difficult year, Team Valley-based SOS Group has ‘come of age,’ celebrating 18 years in business and rising to meet new challenges on behalf of clients.
Launched in 2002, the company continues with the same three directors at the helm, John Behan, George Young and Andrew Skelton, and is now proud to count some of the biggest names in sport and industry as clients.
SOS Group also works closely with SMEs and start-ups and, as a supplier and service provider of digital office equipment, related software products and office furniture, the current Covid-19 crisis has created unprecedented demand to facilitate remote working.
George Young, says: “This health crisis has tested every business and looks likely to do so for some time to come. We’re used to remote working and adapted and recovered quickly after closing our doors during lockdown but we appreciate it’s not been straightforward for many firms.”
“Where our clients were previously focussed on cost effectiveness, security, efficiency and environmental concerns, unsurprisingly, there’s now a big shift towards home-working.”
“It’s been challenging and also a privilege to help clients adapt to the current situation. And while secure document sharing, remote working software and communications were already a growing section of our business, it’s an area that’s now become critical.”
In addition to digital office equipment and software, SOS Group recently launched its DDB Workspace Solutions Division to supply a range of furniture that helps tackle common issues including posture and lack of space. In addition to home-working desks, it features technology that can provide individual heating options, improving workplace comfort and reducing energy costs.
In response to the pandemic, SOS Group has also begun offering short-term contracts, which are proving popular with smaller businesses finding their way through these uncertain times. They offer the security of leading-brand equipment and servicing without investment in expensive hardware or long-term contract commitments.
John Behan, adds: “When we began back in 2002, we were ‘all about paper.’ And while paper still plays a key role for many of our clients, we’ve diversified and expanded our offer to meet changing workplace needs. That’s given us a good starting point to pull through the current situation and help our clients to do the same.”
“This year’s not been without its significant business disappointments though. We’ve been very proud to work with British Athletics and other national sports organisations for many years now and it was a big knock for everyone when this summer’s events were cancelled. Thankfully, we’re up and running again now, if you’ll forgive the pun.”
“Undoubtedly, sports events without fans in the stadium lack that special something but it was a great feeling to deliver on-site services for the Mueller British Athletics Championships in Manchester recently, and we’re very much looking forward to the Spar British Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow.”
As well as strong professional sporting links, SOS Group is a company with strong roots in their local community and is a partner of Sport Newcastle, supporting North East sporting talent and helping them achieve their Olympic and Paralympic dreams.
In fact, SOS Group has a long and proud track record of community support and recently celebrated donating an amazing £250,000 to charities, talented young individuals and community organisations.
Andrew Skelton, says: “Throughout our history, we’ve always placed a strong emphasis on community involvement and encouraged and helped others to pursue their ambitions.”
“In the last year alone, we’ve been actively involved in supporting over 30 community projects, charities and talented young individuals. That kind of support feels more important than ever as charities and organisations are squeezed by Covid-19 restrictions and loss of income.”
“This certainly isn’t the 18th birthday we envisaged for our company, but the flexibility and commitment of our team here has proved its worth during these testing times and we’re proud of them.”
“We’ve more than ‘weathered the storm,’ we’ve supported our clients during these most difficult business conditions and even won new contracts. It’s when the strength of those professional relationships really shows.”
“In all our 18 years, this has been the most testing. We don’t know what will come next but we’re well-placed for the next challenges and look forward to meeting them for ourselves and our clients.”