Access’ software centre to create 25 jobs

Aim-listed Access Intelligence said the centre, at Artemis House, in Eboracum Way, will be responsible for both the development, testing and delivery of the group’s cloud-based software solutions. The firm already had a small office in York. The centralised development centre is the subject of a £2m investment by the company.

Chairman Michael Jackson said: “We have always strived to deliver best practice throughout the group and our significant investment in this state-of-the-art centre will focus on both new product development as well as utilising technological advancements to better enhance our current software and service offerings.”

The company said the new development centre has resulted in the creation of around 25 new jobs and safeguarded several existing development roles.

Joanna Arnold, chief operating officer, said: “Whilst we are streamlining our software development processes through investment in technology, we are also committed to growing our employee base. The additional development experts we’ve employed from the York area will enable us to recognise synergies in our products to create innovative new solutions and ultimately deliver our growth plans.”

She added: “We have employed a number of graduates as part of our development team and we are dedicated to extending our graduate scheme moving forward.”

Coun James Alexander, leader of City of York Council, which helped Access Intelligence set up in York, said: “This I believe will be the first of many businesses choosing to expand or locate to York due to its many advantages including good skill levels and connectivity, and due to the efforts made by this administration to ensure York is open for business.”

Access Intelligence develops software as a service (SaaS) based solutions for organisations such as The Bank of England, Aviva, Dixons Retail Group and L’Oreal.

The firm reported revenue up 10 per cent year-on-year to £3.9m in the half year to May 31, 2012. But there was a loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of £122,000 compared with earnings of £170,000 last time. Mr Jackson said when the results were published that 2012 was “a year of investment”.