New system set to take firm Global (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Atlantic Global in Cleckheaton sees profits turnaround

8:40am Wednesday 29th September 2010 in Business By Chris Holland

A new ‘self-service’ project control IT system to be launched at the end of next month is seen as a milestone for a West Yorkshire software company which has returned to profit.

Cleckheaton-based Atlantic Global, whose IT software enables businesses of all sizes to control costs and manage projects more efficiently, believes the roll out of its new automated Software as a Service (Saas) system will pave the way for international expansion.

Because the system can be accessed remotely by customers, Atlantic is looking to expand its operations without the need to establish physical bases overseas.

The company said the automated Saas product would also provide an effective means of targeting small and medium-sized firms and individual departments within a larger organisation.

Chairman Adrian Bradshaw said: “The introduction of the automated SaaS platform, which is due to be launched on 29 October, will mark a significant milestone for the group.”

According to managing director Eugene Blaine, the new system will enable potential customers to access it remotely 24 hours a day and have a ‘test drive’ to see if it suits their needs.

He said: “This is a major development for us and will provide a means for us to develop a wider customer base outside the UK where we have mainly focused in the past.

The product is multi-lingual and works across different currencies so should have an international appeal.”

The new product launch follows a period which saw Atlantic Global win some blue chip customers and announce an interim profit for the six months to July.

Atlantic Global grew its SaaS revenues and now hosts 35 SaaS implementations for customers including GlaxoSmithKline, Man Group Plc and VILT in Spain and Portugal. New customers include Esure, Merseyside Police and Experian A pre-tax profit was achieved compared with a loss of £148,000 in the comparable period last year. Turnover increased to £728,000 from £647,000. An interim dividend of 0.1 pence a share is being proposed.

Adrian Bradshaw said: “Trading remains challenging as customers’ IT budgets remain under pressure.

“However, the group is seeing an uptake in interest in its SaaS offering, and the directors remain confident about the group’s future performance.”