Member Article

‘TRI-UMPH’ AS ABLE SYSTEMS CLOCKS UP 35 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

Staff from Northwich-based firm Able Systems celebrated its landmark 35th anniversary by undertaking a triathlon to raise money for charity.

Almost a third of the company’s workforce took part in the Cheshire Triathlon, held at Nantwich Pool and Barony Park on 21st May. Comprising a 500m swim, 20k bike ride and 5k run, the challenge raised more than £1,100 for the North West Air Ambulance, with further donations expected to come in over the coming weeks.

The company fielded three relay teams in the event, Ready, Willing and Un-Able, Over Excit-Able and Indestruct-Able, while software design engineer Gareth Jones and his wife Sarah competed as individuals for the charity.

Able Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of mini printers, providing portable ticketing solutions to the police, taxi firms, event organisers, retailers and many more.

Managing director Derek Way, who completed the swim leg for Ready, Willing and Un-Able, said:

“As we approached our anniversary year, we wanted to find a challenging but fun way to celebrate. Most people had never taken part in a triathlon before, but the atmosphere was incredible and everyone was rightly proud of their achievements.

“It was also a fitting sport for us because our thermal printers are often used at events like this, to print times for competitors once they have crossed the finishing line.”

He added that colleagues had chosen North West Air Ambulance after it helped their friend Deon Zwanepoel who was involved in a motorcycle accident last year:

“The Air Ambulance carries out life-saving work every day, helping to ensure those who need urgent medical treatment get to hospital as soon as possible.

“When Deon was injured, the Air Ambulance was on the scene straightaway, transporting him to the Royal Stoke University Hospital. The care he received from the ambulance service was second-to-none and we couldn’t think of a more inspirational charity to keep us going.”

Mike Robinson and Steve Pardoe established Able Systems, located on Denton Drive, in 1982. Today, around 60 per cent of its products are bespoke solutions, with more than 40 per cent of the team working on design and development. Exports now account for two-thirds of its turnover, and its longest-serving staff member has been there since 1987.

To make a donation to the Able Systems triathlon team visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Able-Systems-Ltd. Further details on the company and its product range are available at www.able-systems.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Scott Giles .