With an increasing number of people working and spending more time at home, a Lancashire PC manufacturer has seen sales surge by 147% since the start of April for its custom-built systems.

Husband and wife, Jon and Deborah Carter founded Fierce PC in 2009 after they started selling computer parts from their living room. What started as a way of making money following Deborah’s redundancy soon turned into a successful business when they evolved into developing and selling fully assembled desktops on eBay.

Fierce PC’s business model is based entirely online via marketplaces and their website, which has a user-friendly PC Configurator tool. This allows clients to personalise their computer to fit their needs.

Europe is a key market for the business where the Department for International Trade (DIT) has lent e-commerce support and made introductions to online marketplaces. Recent deals in Germany and The Netherlands bring Fierce PC’s European export markets to 23 countries.

Managing Director of Fierce PC, Jon Carter:

When we started Fierce PC, we only sold computer components but, as time moved on, we realised there was a large potential in building full computer systems and selling those on-line. This was a real game-changer for us.

In ten years, we went from the two of us with computer parts stacked up to the ceiling of our living room, to 45 plus full-time employees working in a 10,000 sq ft warehouse.

During lockdown, we saw a huge increase in demand for computers for home working and entertainment. Our international trade advisor at the Department for International Trade was instrumental in our overseas expansion, with practical e-commerce advice and new business opportunities.

Also at the forefront of custom-built gaming systems, earlier this year Fierce PC launched the Lumina PC, which allows swappable custom designs so customers can create a unique environment.

Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart, said: 

E-commerce will play a vital role in the UK’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, and it is great to see SMEs like Fierce PC exporting.

The free trade agreements we are negotiating around the world will help to increase exporting opportunities, boost investment and create more jobs for SMEs all around the UK.

Fierce PC has also been working with the DIT on its US exporting strategy. The manufacturer is on the verge of announcing its entry into the market via an online marketplace.

Latest figures show that demand for British computers, laptops, and tablets shows no signs of slowing, with exports worth £3.5 billion in the 12 months to end of May 2020 an increase of 3.7% on the previous 12 months.