Software house Business Computer Projects Ltd (BCP) has come a long way since it first started in founder, Brian Preece’s, front bedroom 30 years ago. The company is now one of the UK’s most successful privately-owned software houses, with a staff of 90, operating from its own offices on the outskirts of Manchester. Its Accord® supply chain solutions are used by companies across a broad range of industries, from furniture and fragrances to pet supplies and, not least, food and drink, the company’s original specialism, with giants like Musgrave, BWG and SPAR all using BCP systems.
Despite the tough economic climate, BCP continues to flourish with many existing clients continuing to invest and extend their use of Accord® solutions to take advantage of new functions and improve business efficiency.
A surprisingly high number of brand new customers have also been signed over the past year, ranging from leading regional fruit and vegetable, ingredients and foodservice distributors to national symbol groups and, not least, middle east foodservice operator, Foodlink Bahrain, which has given BCP its first foothold in the middle eastern market.
Most new clients this year have invested in complete Accord® solutions, but the healthy pipeline shows a lot of interest in BCP’s market leading Voice directed WMS, as well.
“People really seem to appreciate the breadth and depth of Accord’s® functionality,” says BCP Supply Chain Director, Tony Beales. The feedback we’re getting from new clients tells us that this is what differentiates us from the competition. I guess that’s where three decades of working in the industry pays off for us.”
The three newest clients epitomise this. Chilled food wholesaler, Cambridge Foods, Cash & Carry and Delivered wholesaler, Global Foods, and Foodlink Bahrain are all growing quickly and have invested in Accord® solutions to support future growth. Mohammed Iqbal, Managing Director, Global Foods, explains: “We looked carefully at the other packages available in the market place, but concluded that Accord® was the only real option. It seems to be the only proven solution for the growing wholesaler. Alternative packages are claiming a great deal, but don’t appear to have the depth of functionality that I need to expand my business.”
Mark Huggins, Operations Director at Foodlink, agrees: “Accord® is a sophisticated system which will scale up easily as the company grows and provide an excellent fit for our enlarged operation in the years to come.”
With the economy struggling the future is always uncertain, but as Tony Beales points out: “There’s always a temptation to ignore technology developments at these times, but, in reality, it’s more important than ever to control costs and improve efficiency. Our clients are recognising that Accord® can help them do just that and, as a result, they can not only survive, but thrive in the current economic downturn and boost long term performance as well.”
For further information please contact Pauline Higgs at BCP on: 0161 355 3000; Pauline.higgs@bcpsoftware.com
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