6 November 2005
Warehouseexpress.com, the Norwich-based online photographic retailer, is set for massive growth following a £6.5 million investment deal backed by Barclays Ventures - and the appointment of former Calumet MD Andy Morris.
Morris (42) who takes a minority shareholding, officially takes over as CEO of the award-winning company in January 2006. He will work with Warehouse Express Limited founder Howard Utting and Barclays Ventures on a strategic plan to grow the current £30 million turnover to £100 million within six years.
Morris, who left Calumet earlier this year said: This is the offer I couldn't refuse - the warehouseexpress.com business model is just too compelling.
This company has grown from a standing start just eight years ago to become a major force in the industry.The website attracts 50 million hits a month and has a customer database of several hundred thousand. It's a phenomenal business and we intend to grow it and pour more petrol on the exciting fire that already exists within this vibrant company."
He added: "The business model, focusing on the enthusiast and professional photographer, is based on competitive pricing, a vast range of products and accessories - currently 22,000 lines - customer service and next day delivery.That's a winning formula and we won't be changing it. We'll just be adding to it."
With financial support and a strengthened management team, the business is committed to further improving its existing IT systems and is set to expand to a purpose-built 30,000 sq ft warehouse in Norwich, replacing the existing HQ on the Sweetbriar Road Industrial Estate.
Said Morris: "I spent four years with Calumet helping to shape it for the digital revolution - now I want to use my experience and my extensive industry contacts to help warehouseexpress.com continue its impressive growth track record and scale new heights."
http://www.warehouseexpress.com
