Healthy success bubbles up for Business Village tenant!

A Barnsley software company that provides systems for clients including Coca-Cola and the NHS has seen its turnover increase by more than 60 per cent in the last year.

Target, which was only set up three years ago, also supplies software for Enterprise Plc and for facilities management company Sodexo for its work with BAE Systems and Lily Pharmaceuticals.

The software works by extracting information from databases and turning it into intelligence; for example as reports, digital dashboards or email alerts.

Director Phil Atkinson said: “It’s better than using Excel spreadsheets, it removes the limitations. For example the software will tell you if a machine needs re-testing, which staff require training or what contract is expiring.

“Tasks that used to take days, because a person had to input and interpret data in a spreadsheet, can now literally be done at the touch of a button.

“Using this software means that companies not only save time and money, but are also compliant with regulations, which is vital in these days of audits and checks.”

One piece of software used by Coca Cola at their bottling plant in Wakefield, the largest in Europe, alerts engineers to when equipment needs re-testing. Several NHS trusts use a system called Accord which helps manage procurement and tenders. Other systems help with document storage or case management for solicitors.

In the year to April 2013 the turnover of Target was £236,000, up from £146,000 the year before, and Phil predicts it could hit £400,000 this year, as they already have £200,000 worth of contracts in the bag.

The company, which is based at Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre at Wilthorpe, has been supported by Enterprising Barnsley from the beginning.

Phil and colleague Daryl Green moved into the Genesis suite at the centre in 2010 and were given intensive support by Enterprising Barnsley. They now have five full-time employees, two part-time and are looking to take on more.

“Enterprising Barnsley support has given us the discipline to plan properly. For example to work out our target client and agree our marketing messages. With his help we have planned where we want the company to be and how to get there,” said Phil.

The Enterprising Barnsley programme is a partnership between Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre and Barnsley Development Agency (BDA).

The programme is supported financially by the European Union and has attracted £2,259,511 investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development, through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.