3. Chamberlink May 51-72.qxp_Chamberlink 29/04/2021 09:45 Page 67
Member Profile
Member Section
Chamber Insight Focus on a member
Name: Wendy Merricks Company: Jumar Job Title: CEO
What does your company do? Jumar is, essentially, two businesses that complement each other: one is technology recruitment, and the other provides I.T. consultancy and software development. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, we support clients in implementation and integration of CRM, Sharepoint, and other technologies.
For many businesses, the last twelve months has resulted in revenue reduction and therefore growth will be a priority as the pandemic subsides.
What has surprised you most in your job? My most recent surprise has been the way that everyone seamlessly adapted to home working and stepping up without complaint. This camaraderie and commitment has really empowered people to flourish.
How did it all start? Jumar traces its history to the 1990s when I built a successful IT recruitment company, later acquiring a software business, creating one of the country’s fastest growing tech companies.
What advice would you give to someone starting out? Keep your business simple and focused. Don’t overcomplicate: always stick to what you’re good at. Don’t get drawn into the flattery of going outside your area of expertise, as it weakens your brand. A strong brand will grow and strengthen.
What’s your greatest achievement so far? The last 12 months has demonstrated that my greatest achievement has been building the phenomenal team that has guided us through the pandemic.
Which business do you most admire? I wouldn’t like to name a particular business, but those that revamp their business model to stay competitive are those I admire most.
What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken – and did it work out? Giving up a highly-paid corporate job to set up Jumar. Our success demonstrates it did work out, and I’m proud to have been able to offer employment to so many people in the West Midlands, and within our client base.
What exciting projects is your business working on? We’re providing an innovative staffing solution to drive a massive, five-year digital transformation at a well-known insurance provider. Also, our work with a software house in Solihull to upgrade their legacy technology will result in a completely rewritten, futureproofed platform.
What keeps you awake at night? Firstly, keeping up with the rapid speed of change in the technology sector, and how clients’ requirements evolve with it. And secondly, the responsibility that goes with employing people. These things matter and it’s important to care about them. If you could turn the clock back, what would you do differently? In hindsight, there have been times when our growth plans meant we were quick to employ staff who turned out not to be right. I would ensure that we were more selective about preventing this from happening.
There is also momentum building to re-engineer supply chains, with new entrants to supply markets, whilst some businesses have unfortunately ceased trading. Brexit and Covid-19 have encouraged a lot of UK reshoring and this in turn encourages investment to create capacity and improve efficiencies. Adam Smith, director of ADS Procurement & Supply Chain, believes there is great potential for those willing to adapt. He said: “Those that look to the future with positivity and fresh ideas will succeed. This is a reset for many businesses who are realising that the supply chain offers a lot of innovation Adam Smith and opportunities.”
Purchasing goods and services competitively will of course always remain a priority, but other dynamics are starting to take prominence. Having a sustainable supply chain, by taking carbon footprint and many other environmental factors into consideration, will be demanded by future consumers and can no longer be an afterthought. There is plenty of evidence that implementing sustainable sourcing can lead to lower total supply chain costs.
What made you join Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and how are you making use of your membership? As a Birmingham-based business owner who loves networking, I joined to meet and share expertise with like-minded organisations in the region. We welcome the Chamber introducing Jumar to other members where our services may support them, and vice versa. E: andy.holmes@jumarsolutions.com T: 07825 632 694
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