A 2024 Review from Gavin
I can’t believe we are at the end of another year, and as 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back on another fantastic twelve months for the Parallel team – from growing our team to launching new initiatives, working with new brands and making a real difference in our community – this year has been one of growth, progress and purpose. Let’s look at some of the highlights of the last 12 months.
With the recent Print IT Reseller Awards fresh in our minds, this feels like a great place to start – this year, we were shortlisted in the higher turnover category, which in itself is a fantastic achievement and was a massive milestone for us. It speaks volumes about how far we’ve come as a business and shows the dedication, innovation and hard work of everyone – whilst we didn’t win the award this year, seeing the whole team celebrate together was a real high of 2024.
I know I say this a lot, but when I started Parallel in the middle of the COVID pandemic, I could never have imagined the level of success we’d achieve in just a few short years and receiving the award nomination is a testament to our team as well as the trust and support of our amazing clients and partners.
Another highlight of 2024 has been the increase in our community support – at Parallel, giving back is more than just a goal – it’s a core part of what we do and who we are. This year, we were happy to sponsor Frank Baker, a 12-year-old rising boxing star already making waves in the amateur boxing world. Our sponsorship allows him to continue training and competing at the highest level, and we’re excited to support him as he climbs the ranks.
Our community work didn’t stop there. We also continued our work with YMCA Leicestershire, supporting their impactful initiatives like the Big Sleep Out and their charity golf day. These events are important in helping the YMCA provide essential support to vulnerable individuals in the community, and we’re always happy to be part of their mission.
Our ongoing collaboration with the Muscle Help Foundation also remains close to our hearts. Through our Click. Print. Donate. initiative; we’ve supported their life-changing Muscle Dream experiences, bringing joy, hope, and unforgettable memories to children and young people with muscular dystrophy.
This year, our partnership with Watford FC as a Regional Partner has been a fantastic journey, strengthening our ties with the local community and aligning Parallel with a club that shares our values of teamwork and determination. Seeing our branding displayed at Vicarage Road has been a proud moment for us, showing the growth and impact of our business. Beyond the pitch, this partnership has provided incredible opportunities to connect with other regional businesses, and we’re excited to continue this partnership and cheer on the Hornets in the seasons ahead!
Another standout achievement this year was the launch of Parallel Logistics, a new branch of our business. This venture was born from the expertise we’ve developed in deploying Managed Print Services – Parallel Logistics allows us to bring our streamlined approach to logistics and distribution to a wider audience, and it’s been incredible to see this new arm of the company take off.
A further exciting development was announcing our partnership with Sharp UK as part of their Technology Partner Programme. This collaboration is an exciting step forward and will allow us to expand our Managed Print Services offering, especially within the healthcare and education sectors. By partnering with Sharp, we can provide cutting-edge solutions that help organisations reduce costs, streamline operations, and improve efficiency.
Our growth in 2024 wasn’t just about new initiatives – it was also about the amazing people who joined our team. This year, we welcomed new employees across sales, customer service, and technical support, further strengthening our ability to provide for our clients and to keep delivering the great service that Parallel is known for.
As our team grows, so does our ability to innovate and provide new solutions to businesses of all sizes. Each team member brings fresh perspectives and energy to the table, making us even stronger.
As we close the chapter on 2024, I’m full of pride and gratitude for everything we have achieved and for everyone who has been part of our journey so far – from our team and partners to our clients and community organisations – every single thing that Parallel achieves is a shared effort.
Looking ahead to 2025, we will be continuing to provide best-in-class Managed Print Services, supporting sustainability through initiatives like PrintReleaf and making a meaningful impact to the communities around us. With plans for further team growth and continued innovation, we’re ready for the new challenges and opportunities the new year will bring.
Here’s to another year of growth, giving back, and delivering excellence. Thank you for being part of the Parallel journey—2025, we are ready for you!
