In August 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, most businesses were battening down the hatches, but Parallel Managing Director Gavin Auckland, was doing the opposite – launching his own managed print business from what he calls ‘a rabbit hutch of an office’.
Five years later, Parallel has evolved into a thriving group of companies, with new ventures like Parallel Logistics, a full board of directors, comprising sales, logistics, service, operations, and finance – all experts in their respective areas, and a growing reputation for doing things differently.
“The print industry hasn’t changed much over the years, and that can make it stagnant. One of the biggest lessons for me was to embrace doing things differently. Different is better, and that’s something we’ve built the business on,” Auckland said.
One of the big changes came in in September 2024 with the launch of Parallel Logistics. “I wanted complete control of the process from warehouse to installation, so we created a logistics business that now also works with other managed print providers.
It means we control quality from start to finish and give no opportunity to pass the buck.
“Most of the industry is used to installations taking days, with issues cropping up and things not working right away. We average about 20 minutes per device. Everything is set up exactly as promised, and it’s right the first time, every time,” he added.
Looking ahead to the next five years, Auckland says that the biggest opportunities will be in technology, such as AI, automation, and IT services. “We’re positioning Parallel to be a one-stop shop – covering print, IT, communications, security, workflow solutions, and more.”
As the industry evolves, Auckland and the team aren’t just prepared for change; they are actively building for it. With a new head office on the horizon, expanding services, and a
close eye on emerging technologies, Parallel is positioned to not only meet the next five years head-on but smash expectations all over again.
To learn more visit: https://parallel-group.co.uk
