We are also a certified re-seller for Swyx VoIP Telephony. Swyx VoIP is a software based IP-PBX
and is gradually taking over from standard telephony systems just as Digital TV is taking over Terrestrial.
by Sali Earls
Based in Prestatyn, North Wales, Accent Software Ltd. was founded in 1995 by a team specialising in software systems for retail, manufacturing, financial and service sectors.
With a wide and varied customer base, Accent Software prides themselves of providing high quality products and services, developing long term relationships with customers, and ultimately providing value for money.
Sali Earls spoke to Gerard Austerberry, Managing Director, to find out more about the company.
What's the history of your company?
Accent Software was formed by a team of Systems Analysts in 1995 with many years of experience in the IT market. Mainly concentrating initially on providing bespoke software solutions for the Retail,
Manufacturing, Financial and Service sectors, Accent developed their own in-house range of software products which now encompass a wide range of areas aimed at the SME's and large
corporates.
What unique products/services does your company provide?
The flagship of Accent is our renowned Accent Financials which now have over 500 users throughout the UK. Our collections-based software systems are used by Multi-National companies and in
addition to this we supply Retail based systems for single and multi-branch outlets and more recently provide our WebHelp on-line system which encompasses a help desk, project management, time
management, billing and much more.
We are also a certified re-seller for Swyx VoIP Telephony. Swyx VoIP is a software based IP-PBX
and is gradually taking over from standard telephony systems just as Digital TV is taking over Terrestrial.
What's been the key to your success?
The key to the success of Accent is the continual development of our products, and whilst having the skills and software to meet the demands of large companies, we can also provide cost efficient
products and services by keeping overheads down, thus competing and essentially winning more business from larger IT companies.
At Accent we also try to provide a more personal service to our clients by keeping consistency in the main point of contact and providing low-cost high quality bespoke and tailoring services.
What one piece of outside technology has benefited your company most?
We have benefited from many IT tools with which we can develop quality software products quickly and hence at low cost.
In addition to this we can now distribute high redundant, clustered servers for businesses which have installed web servers, email and many other freeware utilities. To this end we would say that the Linux operating system has benefited Accent and Accent's customers the most.
What one piece of advice would you give to start-up companies in your field?
We would advise small companies to plan ahead by using both a pessimistic and optimistic approach and ensure you have plans to meet both these criterion.
In addition to the planning it is advisable to be realistic and only take on
orders you know you can fulfil, maintaining a high quality of service to your customers.
Communication is also very important, whether this is a courtesy call to ask about how your customers feel they are being treated by your business, or letting them know early if there are problems with delivery of goods/services.
Where do you see your company going in the future?
We have been reluctant to grow too quickly so as we provide a high level of service to our existing customers but from 2008 we now have the wide range of products to expand and hopefully take on
more staff.
Accent Financials, WebHelp, Accent Retail and Accent Collections systems will be constantly updated and we plan to provide support to a dealer network throughout the UK by 2009.
Find out more about Accent Software Ltd. at www.accentsoftware.co.uk.
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