August 2021
As part of a strategic business review, SOS Systems has announced a buyout by the senior management team. The MBO is headed by Chris Sills, Sales Director at SOS Systems for over 20 years. Founder Alun Evans will remain at the company in a strategic role, leaving day to day operations to the newly formed executive team.
The executive team will comprise Chris Sills, Graeme Savage and Gary Tomlinson, who will continue in their roles of Sales Director, Commercial Director and Solutions Director respectively. They will be joined by James Overton, Business Development Director.
“This exciting news not only provides stability for our staff but also, crucially, our clients. To remain privately owned, and a Canon Mono Branded Platinum Partner, makes SOS Systems unique. Particularly within a market made volatile by OEM and Private Equity backed acquisitions. We remain completely customer focused and I look forward to growing our business with this incredibly talented team.”
– Chris Sills, Sales Director SOS Systems
About SOS Systems
SOS Systems is a privately owned business, incorporated in 1985. For over three decades it has stood for innovation in technology and excellence in customer service. In its 36-year history it’s safe to say it has seen some significant changes in the print industry. From Bubble Jets, via the introduction of Colour Laser Copiers, to today’s networked Multi-Function Devices, the technology that supports enterprise print has been constantly evolving.
SOS Systems remains committed to providing enterprise customers with the latest in production, desktop and multi-function printers. It is one of a select few Canon Platinum Partners in the UK, an accreditation that is recognised throughout the industry as an indicator of excellence.
“As one of our platinum mono-brand partners, our relationship with SOS Systems has gone from strength to strength over the last 30 years. We congratulate Chris and the team on the successful completion of a management buyout, throughout which they have used their expertise to deliver stability and the highest levels of customer service, despite evolving market conditions. We look forward to continuing our close relationship with them as they move into this new and exciting phase of their business journey and offer our full support as they build an even stronger offering.”
– James Pittick, Channel Director Canon UK
An Evolving Landscape
Of course, product innovation doesn’t take place in a vacuum. The market for managed print services is also undergoing significant change. The global trend toward process automation and digital transformation has been accelerated by the COVID pandemic. Many enterprises that had a medium to long-term objective to adopt flexible working strategies and support more productive, collaborative ways of working, found themselves implementing initiatives rapidly to ensure business continuity.
As enterprise settles into the new hybrid workforce model, characterised by a more mobile and geographically dispersed workforce, it will find its relationship with print has also changed. For industries where compliance and data protection are important (let’s face it, that’s most of them), the security and auditability of the print process will become key considerations. This is where managed print service companies like SOS Systems can add even greater value.
“The pandemic has forced businesses to change the way they operate. Across all industries, SOS Systems help clients to transform their processes, both efficiency and securely. We nurture our client relationships, becoming a trusted partner, creating agile solutions that meet our clients current and future business ambitions.”
– Graeme Savage, Commercial Director SOS Systems
Product & Service Innovation
In response to the changing demand for professional print services, SOS Systems is broadening its portfolio of software solutions. The move comes as customers are demanding greater security, agility and efficiency than ever before. In a world of big data, SOS Systems also recognises the importance of providing meaningful intelligence to support better, faster decision making.
The new software portfolio includes DocuSign, the world’s number one electronic signature solution; M-Files, the Intelligent Information Management solution; plus SmartOffice AP workflow technology, Papercut and uniFLOW Online.
“At SOS we are building an excellent and market leading portfolio of solutions to support our clients on their individual digital transformation journeys. Our team will challenge our customers’ status quo and pursue a new, innovative way of working for all our customers, bringing the latest technology to the new post-covid working world.”
– Gary Tomlinson, Solutions Director SOS Systems
An Optimistic Outlook
In what could be described as a volatile industry, SOS Systems remains an anchor point for enterprise customers. Its dedication to innovation and customer service excellence is reinforced by vendor relationships that are stronger than ever. The MBO reflects a commitment to remaining independent and the expansion of its service propositions recognises the changes demands of digitally transformed organisations.
As part of its strategic review, SOS Systems has appointed an external marketing agency to help bring its new propositions to market. Cremarc is a full-service digital agency specialising in the technology sector and will be working with SOS Systems to turn its marketing vision into reality.
“We have worked incredibly hard this year to create a detailed business and marketing plan aimed at Covid recovery and growth. With the MBO having taken place and with a new marketing partner at our side we are incredibly excited for the future of this business and our customers”
– James Overton, Business Development Director
Contact Details
Call 01293 562525 or email james.overton@sossystems.co.uk
