Managed Network from Vodat Boosts Productivity for Albemarle & Bond

Albemarle & Bond, the largest pawnbroker in the UK with 112 stores nationwide has introduced a fully managed network from Vodat International to improve productivity and connectivity at head offices.

The pawn broking company has migrated to the Vodat MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) network and is also deploying Vodat's high speed broadband connection, as well as new telephone lines. Vodat's managed communications networks will support Albemarle & Bond's expanding business, which reported a 43 per cent jump in revenue for the year to June.

David Pattinson, Financial Director at Albemarle & Bond, said, "We were experiencing problems with our online connectivity. By bringing together a host of disparate systems it enables us to improve our customer service." 
The company is also moving beyond its traditional pawnbroker roots and into the retail market following the £32 million purchase of jeweller and pawnbroker Herbert Brown.

Pattinson added, "As our business continues to grow and we look for new opportunities we need to have the technology in place that will support our long term ambitions, particularly in the retail arena."

Mike Bielinski, CEO at Vodat International, said, "By updating the whole estate's IPT phone system, this will enable the company to operate more efficiently from top to bottom. The migration to the MPLS network will provide the business with a more secure network. We're looking forward to an ongoing relationship and assisting Albemarle & Bond with future needs."

Albemarle & Bond will also integrate Vodat's managed networks into its Herbert Brown stores.