Worksop Town legend celebrates 21 Years in business

Former Worksop Town footballer Darren Brookes is celebrating another major milestone, this time away from the football pitch, as his local company, RED Business Machines, marks its 21st anniversary.

Darren will already be a familiar name to many Worksop Guardian readers following his successful playing career with Worksop Town, where he became a popular figure with Tigers supporters. Since his playing days, Darren has enjoyed another long-running career – this time in business.

In September 2005, he established RED Business Machines, initially operating from modest premises and supplying printers, photocopiers and managed print solutions to local businesses.

Twenty-one years later, RED has grown considerably and now supports businesses across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire, providing office printer leasing, sales and managed print services.

Darren said: “Reaching 21 years is something we're incredibly proud of. When we started RED back in 2005, like any new business, you don't really know where the journey is going to take you.

“We've grown a lot since those early days, but we've always tried to keep the same approach. That is, looking after customers properly, being there when they need us and building long-term relationships rather than simply selling them a machine.

“Football was obviously a massive part of my life and I've still got some fantastic memories of my time at Worksop Town, so it would be great for people who remember me from those days to see what I've been up to since.

“I'd particularly like to thank all our customers for their support over the past 21 years, together with all the staff who have been part of RED since 2005. A lot of our customers have been with us for many years, which I think says a lot about the team we've built.”

Darren believes the service provided after a machine has been installed has been one of the key reasons behind the company's longevity.

He continued: “It's a very competitive industry and, ultimately, there are comparable machines available from all the major manufacturers. Where we believe we can put ourselves top of the league is with the service and support we provide.

“When a customer has a problem with printing or scanning, it can quickly disrupt the day-to-day running of an office. That's why we've always worked on the principle that ‘our service is the difference’.”

RED Business Machines was incorporated on 28 September 2005 and today operates from Rotherside Court in Eckington.

To mark its 21st birthday, the company is planning a series of anniversary activities and is also using the milestone to thank the customers, staff and local businesses that have supported RED during the past two decades.

The anniversary comes as RED continues to work with organisations of all sizes, providing multifunction printers, photocopiers, leasing and fully managed print solutions.

Darren added: “I'm competitive by nature – I suppose some of that never leaves you after football – so we're certainly not treating 21 years as a finishing line. We still want to grow, win new customers and keep improving what we do.

“But it is a good opportunity to look back at where we started and appreciate how far we've come.”