Ex-IBM man is shaking things up
Classic Folios is looking at things very differently these days, following a recent recruitment. Retired IBM manager Ian Harley was snapped up by the company when he applied for the job of data inputter and has since been swiftly promoted to General Manager. And in the short time since arriving, the new member of staff is making big waves. Previously responsible for over 100 staff and product manager for the EMEA region, Ian was looking for a new project to get his teeth stuck into and is now taking great satisfaction from mapping his experience of big business and its operational principles onto the small company’s strategy.

Asking lots of challenging questions and reviewing the way things are done across the business, Ian has introduced a whole raft of improvements in the office; but this is just the beginning. As he says, “Classic Folios has survived the credit crunch which, considering its primary target market of new build property developers is incredible. With its fantastic workforce, rigorous quality culture and a product that literally sells itself, the opportunities for growth and development are particularly strong”

So watch this space!!

April News
9 May 10
In April we were pleased to welcome Artesian as Homeowners Manual clients. We look forward to producing a bespoke presentation for them to hand over to buyers of prestige homes on Queen Anne Street, London. We were also encouraged by re-orders from Royalton, Berkeley Homes, Cornish Gems, Weston Homes, Nottinghill, and Londonewcastle.

With enquiries and sales picking up, we were happy to share the load with new recruits Ian and Mark, who joined the team this month.

Consumer Code for Home Builders
During March, in anticipation of the Consumer Code for Home Builders coming into force on 1 April 2010, Classic Folios completed training and research into the requirements of the Code. We are now well equipped to advise property developers on how a Reservation Guide can help you meet the Code.

March News
7 April 10
The beginning of a busy month started with Classic Folios exhibiting at the Business Southampton Annual Conference. We were also delighted to receive re-orders from 20 of our HomeFolio clients. And, it wasn't only the idea of a long weekend and a hot cross bun that kept us "full of the joys of spring" - adding Domino Uk Ltd, Miller & Miller Design and Spirit Yachts to our client list made us all happy bunnies!

Folders Galore – Another binder manufacturer goes into administration
If this means your supply has been affected in any way, please contact Classic Folios for a quotation. We are specialists in leather, aluminium and quality man-made materials, and experts at creating bespoke business Folios to suit your company image. Our in-house design team can suggest solutions to meet your specification and budget. Having already produced over 130,000 Folios, we have a wealth of experience in putting together the perfect presentation for each client.

Contact Us >> | Client List>>

Up for the Cup!
4 March 10
Love was in the air, and February started well with news that Weston Homes has nominated Classic Folios for an award at their upcoming Annual Business Partner Awards Conference.

Weston Homes>>

February News
3 March 10
Re-orders from Kier, Chater Homes, Kebbell Homes, Briarfield, and Henley Homes have put a Spring in our step as we enter March!

We also look forward to producing Homeowners’ Manuals for Gibson Homes, iBex Land and Property, and Liberty Homes, three developers who were new to our client list this month.

January News
4 February 10
As we enter a new year hearing news of an end to the recession, Classic Folios is also pleased to report some progress in the right direction. We were delighted to be asked to produce further Homeowners’ Manuals for Willlmott Dixon, Countryside and The Kier Group, and we also welcomed Critical Mass, Spire Roding, Cognica and Jagger Print as first time customers ordering bespoke folios.

Another welcome addition for our Sales Manager Graham was the arrival of a baby daughter!
Congratulations Graham and Family…

December News
15 January 10
Repeat orders from Galliard, Stability, Swift, Audley and Tulloch continued a steady sales trend in the run up to Christmas. Joining our valued list of clients for the first time this month were Nottinghill Housing and John Pye Ltd.

And while the weather at times was miserable and the snow caused some challenges, the Classic Folios team were warmed with an early Christmas arrival...Marketing Manager Bryony delivered a baby girl! Congratulations Bryony and family...

Christmas Message
8 December 09
With the Advent season now in full swing, we look back, not just on November’s sales performance but also 2009 as a whole. Our business philosophy has always been firmly anchored on exceeding customer expectations with unbeatable service and quality. For Classic Folios, this is never about simply following convention, but rigorously assessing everything we do – every process, strategy and output, and focusing on continuous improvement. We never settle for second best or something being just ‘good enough’, it’s all about excellence in every area of the business, and this has certainly been a key factor to our survival through such tough economic times. From bespoke ship’s log books to individually personalised Homeowners’ Manuals, every single client is guaranteed excellent customer care and unrivalled, personal attention to detail.

We trust that your experience of Classic Folios has been positive and welcoming, and would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a more prosperous New Year.

Sales Review
November 09
November was a month of continued client loyalty as luxury, niche property developers Royalton and PF Bole Building Contractors, as well as regional housebuilders; Hillreed Residential Developments, Galliard Homes Ltd, Norfolk Homes and Pennyfarthing Homes all placed repeat orders. Each highly valued client will receive highly tailored, plot-specific, HomeFolios to hand over to their buyers of all their upcoming properties over the next twelve months.

Exclusive ship’s log books commissioned for the newest addition to the Virgin Limited Edition Collection
26 November 09
Necker Belle, a beautiful 105 foot catamaran, which spent the last two years undergoing an extensive refit in Australia, has now officially joined Virgin Limited Edition; a portfolio of unique and stunning holiday retreats. Sailing tailor-made itineraries year round from February 2010, the captain of this exclusive yacht will be utilising a set of ship’s log books that were custom-designed exclusively for them by Classic Folios. The utilitarian binders were manufactured and hand finished in the UK in a pearlescent, textured teal PVC outer material, turned and stitched with a complementary book cloth lining, and then blind embossed with the Necker Belle Logo. The Virgin Limited Edition team also signed up for our customised content-management service to create the ship’s printed log sheets. These were specifically designed to suit the captain’s exact requirements, then printed, bound and dispatched to order.

Click here to see the finished product in our gallery.

Last month we were informed that JJ Blackledge ceased trading having fallen victim to the recession
November 09
If you were a customer of JJ Blackledge, had orders awaiting production, or have an enquiry for bespoke leather goods of the type manufactured by JJ Blackledge, then Classic Folios can help. Also made in the UK, our leather binders are bespoke designed to your exact specification and hand finished to the highest standards.

Unlike other suppliers who outsource some of their production to China and India, we manufacture solely in the UK so can maintain complete control over the entire process. This means you’re guaranteed superb quality products within unbeatable turnaround times. If you have been let down following the liquidation of JJ Blackledge, contact us for immediate assistance.

Latest Customer Feedback Scores
6 November 09
The marketing team at Classic Folios established a standardised feedback system back in June 2009 and clients have been regularly sending in their completed forms with scores and comments since then. As at 6 November, the total feedback score is: 51.1/55 which equates to a customer satisfaction indicator of 92.9%!

We’re justly proud of these results and the positive comments which clients leave. However that doesn’t mean we allow complacency to set in, as the company operates a policy of continual improvement. Comments about ways in which we can improve our service are taken very seriously indeed and action plans regularly put in place to address those areas where we could do even better – we aim for perfection!

If you would like to leave feedback, please click here to download the survey and send us your thoughts and scores.

Sales Review
October 09
Great news for the team, as October 2009 proved to be Classic Folios’ best month for over a year and a half. Recent months have seen a gradual increase in the volume of enquiries and repeat orders are picking up again. Confidence has certainly been improving both in the marketplace as well as here in the office with customers calling off their Homeowners’ Manuals more frequently and keeping the production team busy!

Graham Sweetinburgh, Sales Manager, secured orders from four new developers, including St Modwyn PLC, St Edward Homes and Circle Anglia. Repeat business from three existing clients, Royalton Ltd, Stone Homes Ltd and Purelake New Homes continues to prove how our proactive and added value service is invaluable to clients, even in the most difficult of economic times.

Click here for more information or to order your next HIP, call us on 02380 626280 or email us

In September alone, the firm has booked exhibition space at Resi 09, a high profile event attended by senior figures from across the property industry, and joined the influential development group, Business Southampton. As a niche property services supplier, Classic Folios offers the industry’s most comprehensive customer care documentation solutions and, despite the recession and inevitable downsizing, has maintained a continuous supply of manuals to over 200 developers.

Tim Wood, Managing Director of Classic Folios Limited, says "It’s an exciting time for the business, as we’ve been able to successfully weather the property market downturn and there’s now an increasing sense of optimism from clients and prospects. We’re confident that kick-starting our marketing activity now will ensure healthy business growth over the next year.”

Classic Folios will be showcasing their new home reservation and handover Folios, property manuals and unique online solution from 16-18 September at Stand B4 of the Resi 09 Exhibition Hall at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport. For more information, visit the website at www.resievent.com

Managing Director Tim Wood, of Eastleigh-based Classic Folios, said the time was right to become a City Champion and raise the profile of the company locally. The opportunity to access some of the best networking opportunities, meet other business leaders and to have a say in local business issues, ties in well with the company’s strategy to generate greater regional awareness of their prestigious brand. "We were introduced to Business Southampton as a networking and business leader organisation.” "It’s an exciting time for the business as we’ve successfully weathered the economic downturn and are now looking forward to pursuing a more active involvement in the local community" he said.

City Champion's benefits include: * Representing a diverse cross-section of, and demonstrating a corporate commitment to, the Southampton city region * Gaining an understanding of the bigger picture and meeting executives from diverse business backgrounds * Taking part in debates, generating ideas and creating initiatives for the benefit of the Southampton region * Gaining from the many direct and in-direct benefits, profile building and recognition in association with Business Southampton

Sally Lynskey, CEO of Business Southampton said the expanding network of City Champions was helping to raise the profile of Southampton and the city region. "With more than 100 companies backing Business Southampton it means we can do even more to promote everything that is so great about Southampton as a city and tackle those issues that need to be addressed "It is a wonderful place to live and do business - and we should be doing more to get that message out to as many people as possible," she said.

Business Southampton's aim is to: * Unite, represent and lead the region's business sector * Support the economic development and prosperity of the Southampton region * Define the city's image to market and promote Southampton, regionally, nationally and internationally * Champion, support and influence the skills and network agenda * Influence public policy and investment decisions

To find out more about the City Champion programme, contact Leigh-Sara Timberlake, City Champion Manager, tel: 02380 233741, email: leigh@businesssouthampton.com

Free Manual Facelift for Longstanding Client
June 09
Award-winning property developer, Octagon, build prestigious homes throughout the Home Counties. Renowned for their exquisite styling and highly desirable locations, each property is individually designed to suit its surroundings, incorporating unique design features to both the interior and exterior. A valued client of Classic Folios for over ten years, Octagon again placed their order for another year's supply of Homeowners' Manuals. On this occasion however, we had a new proposal for them... Download case study