Arthur Ellis looks trans-Tasman and beyond

9 December 2003

MEDIA RELEASE

Arthur Ellis looks trans-Tasman and beyond with Telecom

Australasian leisure products business Arthur Ellis is looking to communications technology to strengthen its trans-Tasman links and help realise its international expansion plans.

The Christchurch-based marketer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of outdoor leisure products and bedware has signed a three-year agreement with Telecom, under which Telecom will provide a range of telecommunications services in Australia and New Zealand.

The deal, worth about $750,000, saw Arthur Ellis move to Telecom from TelstraClear following a competitive tender.

“We have plans to expand internationally and are in acquisition mode,” Arthur Ellis Managing Director Hugo Venter said. “Communications is a key enabler to achieving these goals and we believe Telecom’s solutions are the best available.”

Telecom is providing a range of services beyond traditional access and voice solutions. These include offering strategic advice on the company’s customer service functions and the operation of its call centres.

Telecom will replace the company’s Trans-Tasman Frame Relay data network with an IP-based private office network, to help enable secure and real-time exchange of financial and other data.

“Having the same network in Australia and New Zealand all managed by Telecom means that we have a single point of contact for all communications either side of the Tasman,” Mr Venter said.

Mobile JetStream technology will extend remote working capability to key sales staff, providing them with high-speed access to Arthur Ellis’ servers from anywhere within Telecom’s 027 network coverage area.

“Mobile and remote working is increasingly important for improving staff efficiency and customer satisfaction and maintaining our competitive edge,” Mr Venter said.

“One of the key benefits of the package is its scalability. As we expand, even into new international markets, we’re confident our new telecommunications infrastructure will grow with us without disruption.”

Arthur Ellis, which was founded in Dunedin in 1877, has offices in Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney and Melbourne. Its brands include The Great Outdoors Company, Fairydown Adventure and Fairydown Bedware, Columbia Sportswear, Zone Adventure Clothing, Everwarm and Survival Merino.

ENDS