TWO lifelong friends who used to walk to school together are now joining forces to take Darlington based business into the next decade.
Chris Mercer has joined Nick Stringer as Co-director of Elite Telemarketing. This comes as the Darlington based business turns ten years old.
“As a friend for over 35 years, we know each other really well,” said Nick Stringer, Co-Owner and Director of Elite Telemarketing. “We have an inherent trust in each other; this partnership will allow us to take the next steps in driving the business forward.
“Chris didn’t fall into a sales graduate scheme after university. I have seen him develop in his career; it started with him knocking on doors. He has lived and breathed sales during his career and put in a lot of hard yards to achieve his success.”
Elite Telemarketing, established in January of 2016 and is based at Business Central in Darlington. They specialise in telemarketing in the education technology sector as well as branching out into telemarketing services for businesses in other sectors in 2025.
As an experienced sales leader and commercial director, Chris has his eyes set on his next opportunity at Elite Telemarketing.
“We used to walk to school together,” said Chris Mercer, Co-Owner and Director of Elite Telemarketing. “We have had a lot a fun over the years, and we have also had to support each other through the challenging times life throws at you.
“Having watched Nick grow this business to this point, I see a real opportunity for growth. I am really excited for the opportunity, having two leaders with a unique focus.
“Family and friends have been really excited about it. The question has been asked: is it a risk as being lifelong friends? I genuinely think it is a benefit as we have such strong foundations.”
“My career started in optics, selling contact lenses as a Business Development Manager. Following this I moved into National account management, negotiation consultancy, commercial leadership roles in large market leading businesses before most recently heading up commercial negotiations for a large UK grocery retailer… it has been a hell of a ride and great to gather such varied experiences”.
Nick said: “Bringing Chris on board is an opportunity for the business to grow and explore new sectors.
“Chris brings a very impressive background of commercial sales and negotiation. And strategic delivery. Chris is looking to take the business to the next level and develop our client base.”
Elite Telemarketing supports organisations in generating more leads through telesales. The are based in Darlington at Business Central. More information can be found at https://elitetelemarketing.uk/