Information technology solutions and audio visual equipment supplier SSP Aptec, in a move aimed at cutting costs, is moving from its Red Hills Road headquarters after 14 years.

SSP Aptec CEO Dr Sandra Palmer-Peart told Sunday Finance that the move was part of a strategy to ensure continuity and to be able to take advantage of new opportunities this year.

“The purpose of the move is to significantly reduce our fixed costs,” Palmer-Peart said. “In the current economy and with the outlook for the next 12 months not very encouraging, it is extremely important that businesses aggressively manage expenses. We have to ‘right size’ to remain viable and strong. This will put the company in a much stronger financial position moving forward and will allow us to take full advantage of new opportunities as the economy rebounds.”

The IT firm will vacate its Trade Centre offices on Red Hills Road and begin operations on Burlington Avenue (off Eastwood Park Road) on Monday, January 10.

However, despite the move, which can be perceived as a step back for the company, Palmer-Peart said this is not an indication that the business is in trouble.

“This should signal our proactive approach in responding to current and expected changes in the business environment,” Palmer-Peart said. “There are external factors that are outside of our control and any business operating in a particular economy. However there are many internal factors that management can control. There are several examples of once prosperous businesses both locally and overseas that have failed because management did not make the tough decisions that were required. Management has a responsibility to ensure the survival and viability of the organisation, which means doing what is necessary when required.”

She said that despite the move to the smaller outfit, which she added is ‘centrally located’, customers can expect the same product offerings and level of service.

“This will allow us to be a much more flexible and adaptive organisation. Customers should see this translating into faster turnaround for orders and improved customer service overall,” Palmer-Peart said. The company which usually services Lenovo, IBM, Epson and Acer products will also now stock a wider selection of parts for different brands.

SSP APTEC services large, medium and small corporations, government agencies, statutory bodies, executive agencies, small offices, home offices, churches and educational Institutions.

Palmer-Peart, who is also a lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the Mona School of Business, argues that in every business cycle, entrepreneurs should take some lessons.

“I think the key lesson is that although the destination doesn’t change sometimes, we have to adjust the flight plan because the environment changes. If the pilot does not adjust the flight plan in very bad weather the chances of crashing in very inhospitable circumstances are greatly increased,” she said.

“I strongly believe that it cannot be business as usual for any entity that plans to be around to serve their customers after this economic storm is over. Only the companies who rethink their strategies and put plans in place to respond to the new business environment will remain viable or even survive,” Palmer-Peart said.