Sunderland Software City

Blog: Small changes, big difference

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:40:21 +0100

In our latest masterclass blog, Richard Lane from Engleby Associates explains how making small changes to your sales processes can have a huge impact on your sales figures.

Do you know why your clients buy from you? How about how they buy from you?

When you understand the answer to these pivotal questions you can start to make sensible assumptions about your sales processes and the strength of your pipeline.

I am fortunate to be able to spend my time helping companies maximise the effectiveness of their sales people and their sales processes. Engleby’s Sales Process Review engagements are particularly exciting because of the rapid impact even small process improvements can deliver.

I love creating company-specific sales blueprints that an organisation can re-use to garner ongoing success in a simple, clear, concise and systematic way.

But don’t just rely on my experiences. Research from The TAS Group provides inspiring insight into how relatively small improvements in a number of areas can deliver significant positive change.

Increasing the performance of your business by just 10% in the number of deals, the value per deal and your percentage close rate, while decreasing the length of your sales cycle by 10% can leverage a 48% increase in sales value. Multiple small improvements working together!

This poses a number of questions you could be asking yourself.

What can you do to find a few extra opportunities that will increase your sales pipeline by 10%? What questions can you ask to identify additional value that will help you increase your average order value by 10%? What can you do to close one more deal in every 10 opportunities that you work? How can you sharpen your sales cycle to shave 10% from the time it takes to move from qualification to close?

Most importantly of all, is your sales process working as effectively as it could be?

Make time with your team to brainstorm how you can create efficiencies and improve individual and team performance. Once you have identified how, put a plan in place to capture and measure your success. Let the power of multiplication work its magic.

Engleby Associates and Sunderland Software City have released a condensed programme designed to increase the skills and confidence of more sales professionals working in the North-East.

The programme includes two half-day sales workshops, full of activities, case studies and practical exercises, as well as 3 months unrestricted access to an online learning portal packed with sales related e-learning courses, books and simulations. The course aims to give you an understanding of selling best practices for software and technology sales and well as increasing your confidence in your own sales abilities.

More details are available here

From Sunderland to Shanghai

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:08:00 +0100

Sunderland Software City is taking the North East software sector to the world this autumn as it leads a week-long trade mission to China.

The trip, organised in partnership with UKTI, Sunderland City Council and One North East, gives local companies a chance to explore new markets and meet new customers, as well as opening up opportunities for joint ventures with other international software companies.

Software City is the regional initiative supporting the growth of the software sector in the North East, where the local new media, games and software industry is now worth over £250m a year.

The initiative is also working to make the North East the location of choice for the international software industry.

“Our aim is always to go the extra mile, but on this occasion we’re going almost 14,000 miles in one week,” laughs CEO Bernie Callaghan.

“The software industry truly is a global one – our website has been visited by people in 74 different countries in the last quarter alone – and the nature of the sector means North East software companies can provide their service to businesses in other countries just as easily as they can nationally.

“The key is offering the most effective and innovative products and the quality of the software coming out of the North East means we can compete on such a global level.

“China is a massive market, not just in terms of its sheer size but also in terms of its increasing economic power. This is a country which has been experiencing double digit economic growth while much of the world has been in recession”.

The trip takes in three stops in less than a week: Harbin, with whom the city of Sunderland has a friendship agreement; Nanjing, where the annual China Software Expo will be taking place; and Shanghai, the centre of Chinese trading.

The trip will not just see North Eastern companies selling their products and expertise, but the North East sold to Chinese companies as the perfect place to invest.

“Software is a weightless industry so it doesn’t need major infrastructural investment to locate here. The biggest attraction for any company is a talented, innovative workforce, and that, together with the quality of research coming out of our universities, is increasingly what gives the North East an edge,” says Bernie Callaghan.

“Not only does a joint mission give us a larger and more prominent presence at the events we’ll be attending on the trip, it really demonstrates to the rest of the world the scale and quality of the North East software industry”.

Dr Zhengming Yang, China Business Development Manager for UK Trade & Investment, said: “Market visits are the ideal way to find out more about your target market and to meet and make contacts.

“The visit coincides with Expo 2010, being held in Shanghai, giving the region’s businesses the chance to take part in this special event which this year focuses on ‘Better City – Better Life’, signifying Shanghai’s new status as a major economic and cultural centre.”

Representatives from six North East companies – Artingence, Teflabs, LamasaTech, The Mustard Corporation, Inventive Technology and Nurvex – are taking part in the trip, armed with specially-produced mp3 players explaining in Mandarin what their company has to offer.

Sunderland-based Inventive Technology provide UK-based helpdesk and IT solutions to international customers building their British and European presence.

“Our aim on this trip is building successful long-term partnerships with Chinese software and technical companies who are looking to move in to the UK and European,” says MD Arron Gilbraith.

“It might sound pretty unusual for foreign companies to be outsourcing their customer services in the UK rather than the other way around, but it’s a testament to the growing software industry in the North East, that we’re one of the few areas with the technical skills to make that such a compelling offer.

“This has been one of the easiest trade missions to be part of and we’ve been very impressed by the innovations Sunderland Software City have offered us”.

LamasaTech MD Mahmoud Elsaid – whose company develops software for interactive touchscreen computing surfaces - shares Arron’s enthusiasm.

“We believe both LamasaTech and the wider North East software sector doesn't just produce traditional software, but the north east companies shines in producing substantially unique innovative solutions like nobody else– and we’re really grateful for the opportunity to prove that internationally."

“We think our products are going to get a lot of attention in China. One thing we’re working on is an interactive dining solution which gives restaurant goers a new and unique dining experience, ordering food from an interactive touchscreen menu which can track their habits and filter out food they don’t like or are allergic to, then letting them play games while they wait for their food to arrive – anyone who has seen the size of a menu in China will understand the benefit of that!”

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This mission is a good example of how the software industry is growing here and the quality of products and companies that we've got here in Sunderland Software City .
“Sunderland is always pleased to support companies to try and win overseas business that will help them grow their businesses and create new employment in the City.
“I'm looking forward to hearing how these Sunderland companies get on.”

Blog: The importance of intelligence

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:24:54 +0100

In our latest blog, Gareth Powell from Sunderland Software City’s Intelligence Service spells out the crucial role in any business in thoroughly understanding your market, your customers and your competitors and how the service can help.

You don’t know much about your business.

If you’re reaction to that is a defiant ‘Yes I do’ then indulge me… go ahead and write down a list of all the things you know. Then ask yourself how many items on your list are facts, how many are you’re best guess and how many are, in the cold light of day, what you’re hoping.

If you still think you know everything about your business, your competitors and your staff then great. I’m jealous!

The reality is however, that if you’re a start up, a pre-start, an entrepreneur or even someone with a great idea there is a great deal about your current and future business that you just can’t know.

The Sunderland Software City Intelligence Service can help you here. We recognise that even within the UK software sector there are so many factors influencing business performance that rather than try to fill your business plans, presentations and pitches with ‘facts’ we suggest that a better approach is to develop a multi-sensory awareness of your competitive landscape. This means finding the best sources of information and understanding what they really mean in your context.

Time invested in getting a feel for where you’re located in regional, national and international economies, how new and future legislation might affect you, how technology developments may close off or open up new opportunities and how changes in social contexts may make business tougher or more profitable can yield real returns. Having a realistic awareness of context and future opportunities is also an important part of making your business investible.

The Intelligence Service can support you in acquiring such an awareness by hunting out the most reliable sources of information, recognising trends, identifying your competitors and collaborators and much more.

Sunderland Software City’s Intelligence Service is a rapid research facility while will help software businesses get a better understanding of their market, their competitors and their customers.

The service is free to qualifying companies, and can provide results within 48 hours. For more information, email the service direct.

Coming soon: The Intelligence Service shares the recent findings of its research into the global mobile applications market.

Blog: Pitch Perfect

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:56:33 +0100

Mary Garside is one of Sunderland Software City’s Software Sector Specialists, giving hands on, one-on-one, technical and business mentoring to software businesses.

In this blog she gives her top tips on getting your pitch to potential investors perfect.

As a Software Specialists for Sunderland Software City we engage with aspiring entrepreneurs and hear about interesting products with commercial potential almost every day.

Some of our consultations are explorations of an idea while others are defined pitches with several further developing their pitch in the hope of securing early stage investment.

Here are some tips on the things we have found people focused on and went on to be successful in obtaining funding that you may like to consider in developing your pitch.

• Put some time into structuring your pitch so there is a story with focus and clarity of thought. It won’t just be smooth, purposeful, and easy to understand, it will be filled with impact and individuality.

• A short background on what has brought you to this point is a good opener. Be inspiring, compelling, and tight with your words and only talk about that which directly relates or adds significance to your business idea.

• Have some notion of market dynamics, the trends and developments that have set the stage for your opportunity. If you don’t have the ability to adequately research your market, our Intelligence Service can give you free market research.

• Address the problem in the today’s global market and how your solution is necessary, articulating the needs and the pain currently being experienced by the user.

Perhaps you identified a compelling gap based on a personal experience of being a user or through your own thorough research. Is the problem big enough to have real commercial potential? Why your product and why at this time?

We get concerned when pitches don’t include the larger picture, taking into consideration the competition in the market. If there is no competition, there is often no market. Take a moment to concisely validate the market positioning and a credible differentiator of your product. What strengths and weaknesses does it have? We have found some very good ideas lack the development skills necessary to see the project through to completion.

This is perfectly fine if it will be funded by your investment.

Next time Mary discusses getting your business model right, and tackling the financial side of your business.

If you would be interested in guest blogging about a software related matter at sunderlandsoftwarecity.com drop us a line

Cartoon film dispels software myths

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:14:22 +0100

What’s the first thing that comes into your head when you think about working in software? That you’ve got to be geek? That you spend your life cooped up in some dark basement staring at a computer screen? That it’s incredibly dull?

The reality is very different, and Sunderland Software City is dispelling some of these myths in a new cartoon film showing teenagers what working in software is really like.

The six-minute-long animation, aimed at 11-17 year-olds and available on You Tube, sees a pair of North East teenagers discovering how a career in software can take them places they’d never imagined - like music, fashion, computer games, films and sport - and that people who work in the industry aren’t really geeks at all.

Sunderland Software City is the regional initiative supporting the growth of the software industry in the North East and Chief Executive Officer Bernie Callaghan says that building a talented workforce in the region is key to continuing the growth of the local software sector.

He said: “The North East is increasingly a location of choice for the software industry and one of the things which makes our region so attractive is the talented and inventive workforce.

“If the local software industry is going to continue its recent expansion we’re going to have to keep growing that talent pool, but we know a lot of young people are put off even thinking about a career in software because they think it has nothing to do with the things that interest them and it’s not somewhere people like them work.

“That couldn’t be further from the truth, and we thought an animated film would be an appealing and relevant way to set the record straight.

“A career in software can take you wherever your interests lie and all you need is to be creative, able to work in a team and good at solving problems. Any technical skills you can pick up really easily right here in the North East”.

The film is designed to be shown in schools, where it can be accompanied by visits from local companies like those shown in the film – which includes local companies Mere Mortals, 4Projects, Isherwoods and Sonodrome - lesson plans where Key Stage 3 students can use software to design their own planet, and fun and interactive workshops.

Kat Pattison from local company Sonodrome is one of the film’s stars.

“There’s a load of misconceptions about what it’s like working if software and even what the people who work in software are like, and we were really excited about getting involved in a project which would get young people thinking differently about the sector and even about making a career here,” she said.

“Software is a brilliant place to work, and we’re glad to get the chance to tell the world”

The animation was produced by Gateshead-based animation studio Kuro Dragon, in partnership with film-makers Yourfilm and sound specialists Mudshark Audio.

“This was an extremely enjoyable and challenging project to be involved in and Sunderland Software City were fantastic clients,” said Kuro Dragon founder Stuart Howard.

“We produced the 2D animation within a very tight time scale while collaborating with the talented guys at Yourfilm and Mudshark Audio to composite the final piece. We are extremely pleased with the outcome and will be entering the animation into upcoming national awards.”

Bond check in at Jupiter Centre

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:02:14 +0100

Sunderland’s new state-of-the-art centre of software excellence has downloaded its first tenant

The Jupiter Centre at the North East Business and Innovation Centre has been crafted to nurture software companies as part of the Sunderland Software City initiative,

The centre’s first tenant, Bond Solutions, specialises in technology based finance, as well as solutions and support services for SMEs, and is currently ranked second in the UK in the Sage Circle of Excellence.

Managing director Derek Curtis was immediately drawn to the Jupiter Centre as a base to further grow Bond alongside their existing offices in Manchester.

Derek said: "It is important to me that Bond Solutions’ home is in line with the overall aims and directions of the business: we are ambitious and forward-thinking, and always aim to leave an impression. The outline that the Jupiter Centre already carves on the River Wear matches this perfectly.

“It’s something not just for the present, but beyond this and into the future."

The Jupiter Centre aims to be the ultimate location for software companies to locate and grow, with a choice of thirteen offices ranging in size from 32- 121 square metres, all constructed to the highest technical specification.

There are also two meeting areas, complete with free WiFi and refreshment areas, available for more relaxed, informal meetings. Ample free car parking and easy access to the A19 makes the Jupiter Centre the ideal combination of enviable offices in an ideal location.

Bernie Callaghan, chief executive officer of Sunderland Software City, said: “A huge part of Sunderland Software City’s work is persuading leading software companies to make our region their home. World class, cutting-edge accommodation is a huge attraction to businesses of all sizes and that’s exactly what the Jupiter Centre offers.

“Bond Solutions are well known to us, and we’re delighted that they want to be part of the Jupiter Centre.”

For more information or to arrange a site tour contact Donna Surtees on 0191 516 6066.

Click here for more details

National recognition for NE innovators

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Two of the North East's most innovative academics have gained national recognition for their work ensuring that Sunderland graduates leave university with skills that are the envy of the world - including one for excellence in software.

Alastair Irons, the university's head of computing, engineering and technology has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy, alongside his colleague Kevin Petrie, professor of glass and ceramics. Both will receive £10,000 for professional development in teaching and learning.

Alastair won his award for his outstanding work in the relatively new field of computer forensics, and his work on student assessment and feedback issues at Sunderland and nationally. Alastair is currently vice chair of the British Computer Society's Cybercrime Special Interest group and is a board member of the North-East Fraud Forum.

He says: "I'm hoping to develop digital forensics, both from an academic point of view, but also from a continuous professional development perspective. I hope to open up new areas in digital forensics, such as addressing digital forensic issues targeting Facebook and other social network sites. I'm also looking at multi-disciplinary approaches to tackling cybercrime, such as psychology and the psychology of cybercrime.

Cybercrime is a huge international problem, from crimes against individuals such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, phishing, ID theft and economic theft, right through to major fraud undertaken by organised crime and even terrorist organisations.

The one thing that ties these things together is that every time someone uses computer systems, the internet or mobile phones they leave a " digital fingerprint" - a digital forensic expert can find these fingerprints, follow a trail of evidence and present it in a court case.

Alastair continued:"My aim is to raise awareness. Parents, children, teachers and businesses need to be a lot more aware of cybercrime.

"If you are a parent or teacher you should be able to spot cyberbullying. If you are setting up a business then cybercrime awareness, anti-fraud measures and system security should be part of your business plan.

"There are some very unscrupulous people out there who have no compulsion about taking every penny you have - people need to be aware of this and be prepared to take action."

The National Teaching Fellowship awards aim to raise the profile of learning and teaching, recognise and celebrate individuals who make an outstanding impact on the student learning experience, and provide a national focus for institutional teaching and learning excellence schemes.

1DayLater feature on BBC Click

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:05:03 +0100

North East software company 1DayLater have had their website named as "one of the best on the web" by the BBC's flagship technology channel Click.

The company - set up by brothers Paul and David King, organisers of the recent Webdurance event - produce online financial management software which helps companies keep track of their outgoings.

Web reviewer Kate Russell descirbes the software as "neat and easy to use" and concludes that it makes life "so much easier".

You can see the report for yourself here and find our more about 1DayLater here

Local web professionals rally together for charity

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:32:52 +0100

Last week saw the North East's first ever overnight charity webathon - Webdurance - where 36 local web gurus teamed up to create new websites for 6 local charities in just 24 hours.

A recent study carried out by the Institute of Fundraising showed that many visits to charity websites simply end in frustration, with content being out of date or hard to find.

The Webdurance team aimed to help local charities to make better use their websites to raise their profile and improve fundraising by giving them free access to the best web design talent in the region.

“We wanted to create websites that were easy to maintain and update for each of the charities we were supporting.” said Paul King, Managing Director of internet software company 1DayLater and co-founder of the event.

“Many charities are, for the most part, managed by very passionate and exceptional people who are often non-technical. By developing websites which can easily be managed after the event we hope to extend their lifespan and give charities more control over the message they put out”

The event was Supported by Sunderland Software City, whose CEO Bernie Callaghan, said; “We were delighted to get involved with supporting the Webdurance event. Not only does it provide our talented software engineers with a novel showcase, but it also benefits some extremely worthy causes which might otherwise struggle to get a powerful web presence.

"Our aim is to develop the software industry throughout the North East region. The fact that this initiative not only involved local developers and designers but was also conceived and managed by local software entrepreneurs demonstrated the talent, creativity and drive that abound in the North East”

For an example of how Webdurance transformed the website of one local charity, Azure, check out these before and after shots. Further videos from the event can be found on the Webdurance youtube channel found here

Blog: New look website goes live!

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:01:04 +0100

As regular visitors will probably have noticed by now, we’ve had the decorators in at Sunderland Software City.

While the old-look site was a great starting point in the early days of Software City, we felt we needed to make a few changes to make sure we use it to its full potential. I'm also glad to say we've got rid of all those stock images!

The biggest of these changes is making the site a bit more user friendly – in particular making it easier for you to find your way around and find the information you’re after. So apart from the smart new look, the biggest change you’ll notice is how we’ve streamlined its structure.

There are now three major sections, each dedicated to the three key areas in which we work, and hopefully the changes now mean it couldn’t be simpler for you to work out where you need to go.

♦ If you’re local software company looking to take advantage of our services to grow your business, go to “Growing Existing Businesses”.

♦ If you’re a student or someone looking for advice or support on working in the industry, go to “Working in the Industry”.

♦ If you’re a company from outside the region (whether that means Birmingham in the West Midlands, or Birmingham, Alabama) looking to move to North East England, the information on how we can help you can be found in “Moving to the Region”

It couldn’t be simpler!

In future we also plan to be updating the site a lot more regularly than we have done in the past. As you might have seen you can now get an up to the minute update of goings on at Software City HQ direct from the @sunsoftcity Twitter feed in our news section, and more generally we’re aiming to have something new on the site at least once a week.

There’s also now a forum, which we hope will come to be the North East’s number one hub for both individuals and businesses to collaborate and share ideas and a toolkit of free business applications, to which we will continue to add.

We’ve got loads more developments planned for the next few months too, including video content and the return of the popular guest blogger feature, so do keep checking back.

As always, we want to hear what you have to say, so if you’ve got any thoughts about the new look site, just let us know through the new comments section or by dropping us a line.

Bernie

5G signs international deal

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:54:25 +0100

A fast growing Sunderland-based software company is celebrating an international deal with global giant GE Intelligent Platforms.

5G specialise in software products and solutions which reduce costs and improve efficiencies in manufacturing operations.

They have just signed an agreement with GE Intelligent Platforms, a division of GE Home & Business Solutions, which will see 5G act as the European representative for GE-IP’s its Proficy Maintenance Gateway (PMG) software product, which, by synchronising the production and maintenance operations in real time, is able to drastically cut costs, reduce unplanned downtimes, optimise Preventive Maintenance and improve Plant Reliability. 5G will manage sales, marketing and implementation support to GE and its customers across Europe.

5G secured the contract after launching its operations in North East England last autumn. With the help of SSC, One North East and Sunderland City Council, 5G has been able to rapidly grow its UK arm of the business.

Jonathan Kent, Commercial Manager at 5G, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with GE Intelligent Platforms. This really is a very significant step forward for the business. PMG is well accepted as a standard for continuously building reliability and efficiency in manufacturing plants and utilities. We are confident that manufacturing firms in the region, across the country and across Europe will embrace this new technology and derive the tremendous cost benefit it offers.”

He further added, “The addition of a UK base has really helped to open doors for us, and we look forward to continuing our work with the ONE North East, and of course Sunderland Software City to build upon the successful six months we have had since establishing our North East base.”

Bernie Callaghan, chief executive officer at SSC, said: “It is fantastic to have a company like 5G, which has niche high technology products and solutions, operating in the region, and I look forward to continuing to work with the team there to ensure that they really do exploit the opportunities that exist here in North East England, and continue to push their business forward.”

iPhone app sees Raise a Tree going for growth

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:51:00 +0100

A young entrepreneur is proving that his business idea has real growth potential, after sealing a deal to turn his virtual educational tool into an iPhone gaming application.

Andy Stephenson, who started up his business Raise A Tree when he was only 18, is setting his sights on growing a successful enterprise, after computer giant Apple approved an iPhone and iPad application that has made his online teaching facility available for download as an interactive game. The new application works in a similar way to the online version of Raise A Tree, which is designed to help young people to learn about the environment by giving them a virtual tree to nurture and grow, however the iPhone and iPad app’ is designed as a game. Little over a month since its launch, the iPhone version of the game has already been downloaded over 3000 times from over 50 different countries around the world.

Andy, who is studying at Durham University for a degree in software engineering, managed to secure the agreement with Apple after receiving support from regional software development initiative, Sunderland Software City (SSC). The 22-year old has also been assisted with setting up a pilot scheme that has seen a number of schools across Sunderland sign up to use the educational version of the web-based tool, to help educate students about the environment and climate change.

Andy, who is originally from Essex, said: “I developed the idea of Raise A Tree before I moved to the North East. However, since coming to the region, it has really started to take off as a business venture, and this is largely thanks to the fantastic support services available here.

“The introduction of the iPhone and iPad application should allow me to really push the Raise A Tree concept forward, and offer an easily accessible interactive tool that will appeal, as a game, to a whole new audience. I am sure that, with the help of SSC, I can grow Raise A Tree, and hopefully build a profitable and successful business.”

Raise A Tree was launched in 2007, and through word-of-mouth the web-based application had attracted users from 14 countries around the world within a matter of weeks. After realising its potential as an educational device, Andy started to develop the concept further. However, concentrating on his college and university studies meant that the business could not be properly developed again until recently. It was at this point that Andy sought support from SSC.

David Dunn, chief operating officer at SSC, who has worked closely with Andy in developing his idea into a business, said: “Andy is a very bright and articulate individual, and it was clear from the offset that, not only does he have a strong business idea, but the drive, determination and commitment to turn Raise A Tree into a viable enterprise.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Andy, as he begins to unlock the potential in Raise A Tree, and turns this into, what I am sure will be, a really successful business.”

Andy plans to develop Raise A Tree further, exploring ways in which he could roll out the application using Twitter and Facebook. He believes that the support he has had from SSC in signposting the appropriate assistance channels, and putting him in touch with people who could help him drive the business forward, has set Raise A Tree in good stead, as it prepares to launch commercially to schools across the country.

He added: “I have lots of ideas of ways in which I could further improve the application, and I think this is just the starting point for what I hope will be a successful business, that delivers real benefits to schools, as well as individuals.”

To find out more about Raise A Tree as an educational tool, visit www.raiseatree.co.uk, or to access the iPhone and iPad application visit iTunes.

New North East generation creates a workforce fit for the future

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:46:08 +0100

The Sunderland Software City initiative is working to inspire and encourage the growth of the software business in the region and to make the North East the location of choice for the global software industry.

The project is also playing a key role in helping to build the skilled workforce the North East needs to compete globally in the 21st century and making sure our region holds on to its most talented young people.

Proof of the progress being made can be found at local online learning business Guroo, where two local lads have just joined the team after coming the company’s attention on work placements from Sunderland University through the Sunderland Software City initiative.

Andrew Hopper and Simon Sproat, both 22, have just started work on new web-based projects at the Houghton-le-Spring-based company, who produce on-line learning resources focused on functional skills for schools, colleges and training providers

The two are both born and bred in the region, progressing from Hylton Red House school to the City of Sunderland College before graduating from Sunderland University last year with Business Computing degrees specifically designed to meet the needs of the global software industry.

In previous years, Andrew and Simon might have had to leave the North East to pursue their careers or to get the skills they need to make their mark in the industry – but all the region now has the systems in place to develop and maintain a workforce which can really compete globally.

“It’s all about the system working and the system is working for us,” says Guroo MD Jonathan Wells.

“To compete in the global marketplace the North East needs to train and retain the most talented people, and we now have a system in place to do that.

“Basically we are doing exactly what the Software City initiative set out to do – creating good quality jobs for local people in knowledge- based industries. We’re a typical example of the recent explosion of the North East software industry. In two years we’ve more than trebled our staff numbers and we now have over 400 subscribers, not just locally but nationally”.

Simon said: “I know I might sound a bit biased but as someone just starting a career in software I think the North East really is the place to be.”

Andrew added: “We’ve got a thriving creative industry scene, increasingly recognised globally for our innovation and expertise – and I wanted to be part of that. I’m really grateful for the world class support I’ve had, and to Guroo for giving me this chance.”

Professor John MacIntyre, Sunderland University’s Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences said: “Work placements provide great opportunities for students and employers. Students get invaluable experience which gives them a competitive edge when it comes to entering the jobs market. Around half of the students who carry out work placements get jobs with the companies they worked for. For the company the rewards can be substantial.

“One student, who was on placement at a packaging firm in the region saved the company around £750,000 after developing a new software package.”

David Dunn, Chief Operating Officer of Sunderland Software City said: “Our work involves giving North East businesses the expertise, resources and connections to grow their businesses, and creating an environment where software businesses can flourish in the region.

“A huge part of that involves helping local young people see the software industry as a career destination and making sure they get the tools they need to build a bright future there here in the North East, and for the North East.
“Software in the region is going from strength to strength. If we are to sustain and build on that we need to the right systems in place to and Andrew and Simon’s story is a clear sign of the rapid progress we’re making in building a high-skilled workforce in the region”.

More information about Guroo is available at www.guroo.info

Mobliq secure success with Software City Support

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:40:35 +0100

One North East company is celebrating securing a role in a £100m project thanks in part to the help it received from Software City.

Blaydon-based Mobliq – who develop systems which automate paperwork and streamline business processes – have been awarded the contract to manage the applications for the £125m Finance for Business North-East super fund, known as Jeremie.

The business approached Sunderland Software City for advice putting together its tender application for the contract and received their help developing its bid.

“Sunderland Software City was able to provide really helpful advice and support to develop the successful bid,” said Mobliq’s Ken Taylor.

“The Jeremie database contract is a real coup for Mobliq and is a fantastic platform to showcase our capabilities.”
Mobliq’s self-named workflow management system allows the collection of information in an electronic format which can be managed via hand-held PDA devices, originally supplying IT networks and business software solutions and experiencing demand for a system that linked back and front office systems in an electronic format.

The company has come a long way since receiving financial support to develop the system from the NorthStar Equity Investors’ Proof of Concept fund 18 months ago, now employing seven staff and planning to roll out the product across the UK and overseas.

“The Mobliq system allows information to be shared instantly, and has evolved into a user-friendly product with universal appeal, which can be customised to meet individual feature requests,” added Ken Taylor.

“We will continue to tap into the support available through Sunderland Software City as we develop into new markets.”

David Dunn, chief operating officer at SSC, said: “Sunderland Software City offers a wide range of support to help our region’s software businesses like Mobliq flourish and grow and we’re delighted to have played a part in helping them secure this prestigious contract.

“This is a perfect example of one of the core elements of our work – a fantastic local software company develops an innovative and world class product but just needs a bit of support to take that produce to the widest possible audience”
“It is fantastic to be able to support a dynamic business like Mobliq, which has developed a unique application to improve business processes and efficiency. I look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure they continue to maximise their potential and to exploit the opportunities that exists here in the North East and further afield.”

The Sunderland Software City initiative is benefiting from over £6.5m of European Union investment from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, secured through regional development agency One North East. The ERDF programme is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region.

The initiative is a strategic partnership, between Codeworks Connect, North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland and One North East which aims to drive productivity and innovation within businesses and commercialisation of research and development activity within the universities and businesses.