AAG Systems doubles turnover in world's largest deal of its kind for Slimming World

Jan. 20, 2015 - PRLog -- The Sheffield-based IT services company, AAG systems, has secured the contract to deliver 5000  tablets and 4000 laptops for the UK’s leading weight loss organisation, Slimming World, in a deal that Microsoft have advised is the largest deal of its kind anywhere in the world.

At the end of an intensive two and a half year project to research, design and manufacture a bespoke tablet and laptop combination that was fully integrated with the Slimming World brand, AAG and Slimming World have agreed terms and the deal has been signed. The innovative tablets, sourced and developed by AAG in conjunction with Birmingham company Box Ltd, will further improve service to Slimming World’s 700,000 weekly members by enabling Consultants to access weight loss information during group meetings, for a faster, more personal service. The tablets will be used by Consultants in all of Slimming World’s 12,000 weekly group support sessions, in local communities across the UK and Ireland.

AAG Systems' director of sales, technology and innovation, Joey Hemingbrough, announced the conclusion of the deal saying: “We were determined to provide Slimming World with a completely bespoke solution. With the volume of equipment involved, we were able to go direct to the manufacturers in China and have the tablets produced precisely to the specification Slimming World needed, rather than that of a hardware supplier.”

“An added bonus was that Microsoft has indicated that they believe this to be the largest ODM deal of its kind. This news has attracted significant interest from many other organisations for whom a complete ODM solution is an attractive option,” she added.

The 3000 custom-built 10” tablets are equipped with 4GB RAM, 64GB hard drive and 4G capability as well as some unique Slimming World functionality. They are entirely comparable with those from mainstream brands, built to the same Intel reference design, but will be exclusively branded as Slimming World devices. AAG will now commence distribution of the tablets to Consultants in their local communities, as well as a further 4000 custom built laptops and all supporting equipment including tablet stands and other peripherals and accessories.

“The process of developing the tablets has involved identifying and testing many different hardware options, visits to the manufacturing plant and extensive due diligence exercises. We are now confident that the new tablets will ensure that the Slimming World franchisees and members have the very best hardware,” concluded Hemingbrough.

The order follows four years of successful working partnership between Slimming World and AAG Systems which saw the IT company deliver an order of 2000 HP tablets to Slimming World in 2014.

Liz Bullimore, IT Manager for Slimming World, says: “We are delighted to have worked with AAG systems to develop this bespoke tablet. Like all of our technological developments, this investment has been made with one aim; to further improve the service we give to our much-valued members. The success of our business is based on a deep understanding of how people who struggle with their weight feel and a desire to help them to navigate to a healthy weight through kind, caring and compassionate support. This latest innovation will enable Consultants to provide even more personalised effective support to members. It keeps us at the very leading edge of weight management and will enable us to support even more people in the UK and Ireland to make long-term healthy lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off for the long-term.”

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About Slimming World
Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell (OBE, FRSA) in 1969. There are now more than 12,000 groups held weekly across the UK and Republic of Ireland via a network of 4,000 community-based Slimming World Consultants, who receive specific training in the role of diet and physical activity in weight management, as well as sophisticated behaviour-change techniques.

Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of satiety and energy density. Our phased activity programme, Body Magic, eases members into activity until it becomes an intrinsic part of their daily routine. The principles behind Slimming World’s philosophy are based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overweight people and a recognition that those who struggle with weight carry a double burden, the weight itself and a burden of guilt and shame about their weight. Slimming World’s programme integrates practical, up-to-date advice with a highly developed support system based on care and compassion, and Consultant training focuses on facilitating behaviour change in a warm and friendly group environment. Consultant training is delivered through the Slimming World Academy. Slimming World also invests in a comprehensive research programme to develop its support for long-term weight management. The group support provided by Slimming World is recognised as effective by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the NHS.

About AAG Systems
Formed in 2009, AAG is a provider of IT products and services to organisation of all sizes on a nationwide basis. It has grown its turnover to £5m within 5 years and currently employs 35 staff, comprising a team of engineers, sales and support staff. AAG provides a broad range of IT related services that includes hardware and software supply, managed services and IT related solutions.

Recognised by all major vendors in the IT industry, as well as being the sole partner of a number of niche vendors, AAG is a true solutions provider and has the portfolio of products and services to cater for the IT needs of organisations of any size.

AAG currently supports and services a wide range of national accounts including Faber and Faber, Slimming World, City Electrical Factors (CEF), All3 Media and Hugo Boss. As well as smaller regional organisations such as Ashgate Hospice, Barber Harrison Platt and departments at Oxford and Cambridge Universities

For more information about AAG Systems please contact Paul, Louise or David at Vividink Public Relations on 01433 445001 or email pr@vividink.info
For more information about Slimming World’s approach visit www.slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000.