IT’S been a year of sustained successes for Cornerstone Business Solutions and now the firm is looking ahead to 2012 with even more ambitious plans for the future.
The Stockton-based company, a leading supplier of IT business critical systems, provides network upgrades, start-up packages and advice on streamlining for established businesses.
It was only founded three and a half years ago but in the past twelve months the firm has grown by 65pc – 15pc more than predicted – tipping its turnover towards the £1m mark.
A new online shop was launched in August saving new start-up businesses money thanks to a selection of software and IT ‘bundles’ on offer. The site – www.cheap-accounting-software.co.uk – also offers Sage software at 35pc less than it would cost from Sage direct.
Cornerstone’s workforce has increased steadily throughout the year and now stands at 12 – with another two staff members starting in the last couple of months.
Paul Harland, IT technician, and Dave Crofts, software analyst, are settling into the growing team and further recruitment is planned for the New Year as the firm seeks more engineers to help meet growth demand. The business will also be searching for a dedicated account manager for its expanding client base.
The success and growth meant a need for bigger premises and last summer the firm left its small shared office space and moved to the prestigious MAP House at Preston Farm Industrial Estate.
Managing director Chris Petty, who was crowned the 2011 Face of Entrepreneurship for Middlesbrough in the Entrepreneur’s Forum, says: “We’re delighted with the progress and to be able to report we have grown 15pc more than predicted,” said Mr Petty.
“We always knew we had the right offering and high levels of customer service to give business what they need and we just want to keep building and building on our success. New contracts are in the pipeline already for 2012 so we are already starting our next recruitment drive. We are confident our growing team will achieve great success next year.
Cornertone’s strategy is to help businesses with hardware, up-to-date software or implement a more integrated way of working. It supplies the expertise, advice and that vital back-up and aftercare.
“It’s been a fantastic year and in 2012 we look set to pick up the pace even further,” he said.
The firm’s enviable client list includes Butterwick Hospice, The Map Group UK, Camerons Brewery and Middlesbrough Football Club. It also partners with global technology brands such as IBM, HP, Microsoft, Cisco, Sage and BT – to provide robust and reliable support for business critical systems.