A CLEANING supplies company is embracing a new era as it aims to build on its success as a family business.
For 18 years Futures Supplies and Support Services, based in Beddington Farm Road, Croydon, has been building up its reputation, largely under the leadership of its chief executive Mandie Kemp.
But as the company embraces the age of new technology, her son Marc and daughter Leiann are taking on more responsibility in cementing the company's future without losing the all -important family ethos.
The firm has recently revamped its website – www.futures-supplies.co.uk – to make it easier for customers to shop online 24/7 and manage their accounts.
Marc, 34, who has worked his way up from the shop floor, took over as managing director of the firm in March.
Now Leiann, 27, who started out as general office assistant, has been promoted from her existing job as customer service manager to become sales manager.
Mandie said: "The fact is, I am getting a bit older now and can't do as much as I was doing.
"These changes mean I don't have to be here quite as much as I have been in the past, which is rather nice."
It was important though, she said, that the approach of the company and its commitment to customers did not change.
She said: "The business is still very much a family affair, so it is good to see Marc and Leiann getting on and taking on more responsibility."
Marc said the changes were part of a policy to use the talents of the younger generation, and hopes that commitment to developing younger employees can be enhanced in the not-too-distant future by offering apprentice job opportunities.
He said over the years he and his mother "have had our moments", but that he too remained convinced of the importance of retaining the family business element, even when she was standing back a bit.
Leiann, who has been with the company for eight years, said she was enjoying her new role.
She admitted: "I was probably a bit annoying to Marc when I first started here, but we do have very similar views about the company. We want everything done properly and we want it done well."
