DUWAYNE BROOKS OBE
1st Choice Maintenance Ltd are a small business, but they have been providing and servicing Canon photocopiers for 25 years.
They employ five engineers that look after their customer base across London.
All information and links were correct at the date of original publication on
28 Apr 2019
Tell us a little about what you do at 1st Choice Maintenance
In addition to the supply and service of Canon photocopiers, we provide a four-hour response service.
In addition to this, we supply a wide range of toners for all printers of all manufacturers, even though our main stock supply is dedicated to Canon multifunctional devices.
We have very few overheads which enables our service to be cheaper than most in the market.
What was the catalyst that made you decide to go into business?
When I left college I went to work for a company selling and servicing photocopiers.
I then worked for three other companies before returning to First Choice Maintenance as a partner.
If you don't like the position, size or placement of the photos, grab, move, rotate or resize them until you do!
What was holding you back from being an entrepreneur at the time?
As a 20-year-old I had no knowledge of business or how to start one. So it was not an option for me.
What was the best business advice you were given?
Start a business that makes you money while you sleep.
What is the most exciting thing happening in your sector right now?
Believe it or not, photocopiers are still being sold and leased in the thousands, as business start-ups are at a record level.
This is very encouraging and provides growth opportunities for the business.
What are your customers demanding more from you at the moment?
Quick response to their service calls and requests for toner.
We have been accommodating their needs on a daily basis.
Most of our clients are in central London which enables our engineers to save costs by using public transport.
This saving is then passed on to the customer which always makes them happy.
What is your favourite quote?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
What next for your business?
Our aim is to supply more photocopiers to small and medium sized businesses, especially to solicitors, architects, accountants etc.
Due to our low overheads we offer a competitive and affordable service to these companies.
We can also advise on where to make savings and how not to be tied into lengthy contracts with the “big guys.“
These contracts tend to be very expensive for small businesses and in some cases leads to the business failing altogether.
We say trust us, we will not let you down.
What advice would you give yourself now that you have started?
Make more use of friends and network more at business events.