Sound Decisions
EMB Ltd, the organisation that delivers the Business Link
service on behalf of East Midlands Development Agency (emda) looks
at how Nottingham-based Intelligent Decisioning Ltd has built a
reputation as a leading .NET software development consultancy,
specialising in delivering Customer Relationship Management (CRM),
collaboration and workflow solutions.
Established in 1997 as a sole trader, Intelligent Decisioning
became a limited company in 2002. Director Adrian Colquhoun
says there has been continued investment in developing the company
and its people. "Our development consultants
employ the latest agile techniques to deliver rapid,
high quality solutions aimed at transforming a business.
We understand the benefits of building long term relationships and
strive to become the trusted 'technology partner' to our
customers. Our team of .NET consultants offers
a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to solving complex
development problems."
Business development
The company is a Microsoft Gold Partner, working with businesses
on the installation of Microsoft software solutions. These
solutions include CRM systems and more recently Sharepoint, a
collaboration tool that helps streamline processes.
Adrian initially contacted Business Link to discuss the
possibility of producing new software to sell via the internet.
Since then there have been several discussions with Business Link
Advisers as the business developed. "One of the first things
Business Link did was put us in touch with a selection of Patent
Agents with regards to Intellectual Property," he says. "They also
introduced us to the Train to Gain initiative with a view of
providing support for our ongoing staff development and training in
new Microsoft CRM products."
Business Link also helped Intelligent Decisioning identify and
successfully apply for funding towards developing the skills of the
three Directors in Microsoft CRM training.
Global market
Adrian and the team are also in the process of developing their
own software with plans to sell this globally. "We have discussed
the potential for this with Business Link who introduced us to the
complementary services available through UK Trade & Investment,
all very useful in exploring the support available."
When the company successful secured a major public sector
contract and took on a fourth Director, Adrian once again contacted
Business Link for help with further skills development in Microsoft
Sharepoint. "This tool enables documentation management such as
work flows, processes, intranets, wikis and blogs. Business
Link is helping us to apply for funding towards training for a
Director from a recently announced funding initiative.
Competitive Edge
"Sharepoint is a key part of our service," explains Adrian. "Not
many providers can offer it which gives us a competitive advantage.
Along with our own software development projects, it should put us
in a strong position for future growth."
The recent move to new business premises at Sherwood Business
Park gives Intelligent Decisioning the opportunity to broaden its
services including the delivery of Microsoft training.
Increased skills
As the business continues to grow, Adrian is working closely
with Business Link. "We are looking at developing the team in
line with the business," he explains. "I am planning to
become an accredited Microsoft Certified Trainer and with Business
Link's continued support, we are looking at the roles of the
Directors and any potential skills gaps. That way we can
identify and carry out the appropriate development in order to
continue moving the company forward."
Adrian's top tips:
- Make the most of of joined up support services provided by
organisations like EMB - they're second to none
- Have a clear long term strategy
- Build a strong, talented team
- Focus on communication
- Maintain a sense of humour at all times