Greater Manchester Fastest 50: Q & A with Durgham Shamot
9th May, 2019
As we count down to this year's Greater Manchester Fastest 50 event tomorrow, we speak to Durgham Shamot, Managing Director of Stockport-based IMS Euro Ltd.
Durgham Shamot, Managing Director of Stockport-based IMS Euro
IMS Euro started trading in 1992 and was incorporated in 2001. The company has made the Greater Manchester Fastest 50 list for the third year in a row. We caught up with Durgham about what inspired him to set up in business.
What inspired you to set up your business in this particular sector?
Initially the company was a commission agent for European manufacturers wishing to export non-pharmaceutical medical products into Saudi Arabia. The idea was suggested to me by a Saudi friend because, no matter how good the products, companies not fluent in Arabic and without an in-depth understanding of the culture and customs were seriously disadvantaged in this field.
In 2005 I visited the local vet with my son’s cat. A conversation regarding the cost of the veterinary products used on a daily basis highlighted two things. Firstly the majority of the products were available from the manufacturers I was representing and secondly the prices paid by veterinary surgeons were greatly inflated. IMS launched into the veterinary market and is now one of a handful of major wholesalers in that sector.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Looking back at what I have achieved both personally and the year-on-year hyper growth of the company combined with the positive feedback from my incredibly loyal staff and the exhilaration of successfully breaking into new markets and new fields.
And the most challenging?
Letting go! From a one-man band to running a successful international company required the introduction of experts in their various fields. That loss of grassroots control and intimate knowledge of every part of my business is necessary, but very hard to accept.
What would you like to achieve for the business?
Company longevity and security for my own family and the people I employ. To hold the record of being in the North West Fastest 50 for more years than any other company.
What areas does your business plan to invest in?
We have just opened a Middle East distribution centre and manufacturing plant in Dubai. We purchased a 4.2-acre site in Cheadle Heath and are finalising the design of a new purpose-built warehouse and distribution centre.
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