Still a topic of conversation to this day, history was made back in 1998 when England's most infamous footy hero became the first man to publicly don that flowing feminine garment otherwise known as the sarong. But this wasn't the only history to be made that year, for, in a converted slaughter house in deepest Bedfordshire, a company was founded in May 1998 that would eventually become one of Essex's most successful mailing and fulfillment houses.
From Slaughter House to Old Mill
Corporate Mailing Solutions expanded rapidly. Having started out with a prestigious financial services clientele and after managing a huge vote handling contract for Credit Suisse, the company soon needed to find new, bigger premises.
Just three years after its launch, CMS had settled into The Old Mill in Great Dunmow, Essex from where it continues to run its now somewhat expanded operations today.
In-house operations equals more jobs for local people
Unlike some mailing and campaign management companies, Chamber of Commerce member CMS handles all its operations in-house. Managing Director Ian Haughton, who has been with the company since its slaughterhouse days, says:
"Handling everything onsite as opposed to contracting out has numerous benefits for our customers, not to mention the local economy. Firstly we have complete control over every aspect of a campaign from start to finish. This means jobs are always completed precisely to specification, budget and timescale and we can keep a scrupulously tight rein on data security too. Secondly, we've been able to employ local people: a real boon for the local economy."
A Voting Revolution
CMS is known for innovation and providing solutions. In 2007 the company launched Castavote, a custom-designed online voting system that combats the common problem of poor postal voting response rates, often due to a lack of time or motivation on the part of the voter. Used successfully by Saffron Building Society, this system is set to revolutionise the future of voting for a range of industries.
Giving Something Back
CMS team members are dedicated to community and charity work. In 2006, MD Ian completed the Coast to Coast bike ride from Whitehaven to Newcastle. He cycled over 150 miles in just three days and raised over £2000 for the local Riding for the Disabled centre. Business Development Manager Robert West often takes part in sponsored charity bicycle rides, even trekking as far as Iceland (the country, not the supermarket) to raise money much needed funds.
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