Leading Australian Independent dealer group Office Choice Ltd responded to the current economic climate with a range of initiatives to support its members and has reported a strong financial result for the 2019/2020 period. 

 

A combination of new member initiatives and a positive response to the new branding strategy, overarched with responsible cost management measures has seen the group post a positive trading result, supported by a strong Member sales increase in June, culminating in a positive sales position for the January to June half. 

 

This strong result has seen the group post a profitable trading position for the year and has put the Board in the enviable position of announcing further support and stimulus to the dealer network including a Special Rebate to Shareholders for the 11th consecutive year, however in this period representing an increase of over 25% on the previous year.

 

This is further supported with an additional 50% Membership Fee reduction for July to ensure all members enter the new financial period with momentum and additional financial support to navigate what is sure to be a challenging balance of the year. 

 

"It was very pleasing that we were able to achieve these results while continuing to invest in the business to support our members, a fact that the board of Office Choice remains very proud of” says Office Choice Chairman, Daniel Kelly.

 

Office Choice have continued to drive the Office Choice brand with the early roll out of the “Making Local Work” brand strategy and digital customer acquisition program that has seen website traffic and referrals direct to members increase significantly over the period.

 

Office Choice’s commitment to launching new products and services saw it launch the National E-Commerce website that resulted in new customer sales to over 58% of Members in its first month (June), with a steady stream of repeat orders coming from across the country.  

 

These initiatives follow on from recent measures to support Office Choice members during this time including the 50% reduction on fees for April, May & June, the removal of non-mandatory costs, increased advertising spend and creation of business advisory & dealer training webinars for members and a Covid-19 resource hub.

 

“The Office Choice Board, Member Network & National Support Office have responded to the challenges and remain committed to our long term strategic goals which has been the catalyst to the continued success of the Office Choice Group over the past few years, and this year is no exception“ says Office Choice CEO Brad O’Brien.

 

With a strong focus on individual members, O’Brien remains cautiously upbeat about the year ahead as the group once again has committed to significant investment in the provision of support tools and services to position the Office Choice dealer network to  increase market share and ensure ongoing sustainable returns.

 

“Whilst the challenges of the pandemic are far from over, the collective determination of the Office Choice Member network, supported by the National Support Office has seen us deliver an outstanding result and provides a platform for all Office Choice Members to commence 2020/21 with confidence.”