by Sali Earls
Treeware is an IT Solutions provider that offers integrated business software, web design services, consultancy and support. The company's customised solutions have helped organisations as diverse as a Political Party, Training Companies and High Street Retailers.
Sali Earls spoke to Design Director Tristan Phillips to find out about the company.
What's the history of your company?
Treeware Ltd was formed in the summer of 2002, to provide bespoke software
and web solutions for small to medium size enterprises (SME's). Our early experience gained from creating bespoke
solutions revealed both the advantages and shortfalls of tailor-made software when compared to less expensive "off-the-shelf" products.
It soon became clear that to obtain a market advantage we needed to combine the low cost and ease of use offered by "off-the-shelf" packages with the customisable aspect of bespoke, thus allowing SME's to benefit from a system tailored to both their needs and budget.
So, during our second year we conducted extensive research and development to create a truly customisable and integrated business solution. After over a year of intensive software development and a major company re-brand the Treeware Framework was born (commonly referred to as Treeware).
What unique products/services does your company provide?
Whilst we are very proud of our web design service, without doubt our flagship product is the Treeware Framework; an incredibly flexible an integrated business software solution. Designed and
developed to provide customised software that satisfies the needs of small to medium size enterprises.
Our ethos is simple; we believe that all business is unique, and one size does not fit all. Why should businesses be forced to change the way they work to suit their software? Instead we provide a solution that is truly tailored to suit the individual businesses needs at a cost that SME's can afford.
We understand that over time companies need change; this is why our software is designed to be easily edited allowing the addition of new facilities. Our software truly grows with the business helping them to adapt and react quickly as their market, customer and competitive conditions change.
Our customised software has helped companies as diverse as a Political Parties, Training Companies and High Street Retailers. In so doing we have improved the following areas of their
business:
However, the Treeware Framework is not just an all encompassing software system; due to its flexibility some clients prefer to take small strategic steps towards a fully integrated system, allowing them to spread the cost over a period of time. Our solutions are proven to be very flexible and aligned to the needs of any business and organisation whether large or small.
What's been the key to your success?
Success is a hard thing to measure but the key to reaching your goals in business is, without doubt, hard work, strong self-belief and an unwavering determination to succeed. These three qualities will
be seriously tested over the years but with a strong, reliable team and clear realistic goals you will survive and take one step closer to real success and recognition.
What one piece of outside technology has benefited your company most?
It has to be Microsoft; they dominate the business world with programs such
as windows and the office suit (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and inevitably have a huge influence over software
designers. We create our software using Microsoft programming languages and integrate our software to programs such as word and outlook to provide powerful complimentary facilities. Their
advances with the .Net programming language and new operating systems such as the eagerly awaited Longhorn (there current code name for their new version of windows) will continue our
relationship into the future.
What one piece of advice would you give to start-up companies in your field?
Business can be a complex thing especially during the early stages. So my advice would be to get a good business mentor; they will guide you through the process of setting up and maintaining a well
run business. We would recommend Business in Focus (www.businessinfocus.co.uk).
Where do you see your company going in the future?
Along with our Welsh clients we are already expanding into other areas of the UK. Recently we have provided solutions in Bristol and are currently in discussion with a Scottish organisation, so the
future is looking very good.
Ultimately, our goal is to maintain our market edge and continue to be a company that our clients can trust; forging lasting relationships and helping them progress efficiently as their business/organisation grows.
Find out more about Treeware at www.treewaresystems.com. Alternatively, arrange for a software demonstration and Treeware will provide free consultation to help identify software needs. Call Treeware on 02920 636 139.