North East entrepreneur unveils plans for expansion

Jan 28 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

AN ENTREPRENEUR has relocated to his North East roots and unveiled ambitious expansion plans which could double annual sales at his software consultancy to £20m, creating an additional 40 jobs.

Morpeth-born Steve Crosby launched Premiertec Consulting in Glasgow in 2004 and nurtured it into a global enterprise with offices in India and the United States.

Last year, after 20 years away from the region, he decided it was time to come back and relocated the business in Newcastle while developing sales to £6m.

Now settled in the North East and having eradicated the time and travel involved in watching Newcastle United games he is mapping out a vision for a successful future.

He said: “The company has grown and developed during a tough two years for the economy and after recently opening our United States office we are now looking to the future.

“We have three staff in Newcastle and are currently recruiting new staff in marketing and administration.

“We are a relatively small player in a big market but we can provide cost-effective solutions to large multinationals and have a team of experienced consultants who are more than a match for our rivals.”

Premiertec provides implementation, support and training services to clients using software company Oracle’s internationally recognised ERP accounting and business planning software.

Shortly after starting the company Premiertec secured work with General Electric and that relationship is still a major driver of its revenues.

Its consultants are a mix of employees and self-employed and its main competitors are global companies such as IBM and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Premiertec anticipates hitting sales of £10m this year and £20m within five years and expects to increase its UK staff from nine to 50 in that time.

As well as its North East headquarters the company has a UK sales base in Brighton.

Newcastle-based accountants and business advisors RMT have helped the company with business support and accountancy services.

Stephen Slater, partner at RMT, said: “Premiertec Consulting has had a fantastic first year since it relocated to the region and it has been extremely rewarding to work with the team and support its continued growth.

“RMT is committed to providing its clients with a high-quality service and we offered Premiertec Consulting a range of support, including advice on the structure of the business, preparation of its financial statements and specialist tax advice”

Mr Crosby added: “RMT has provided us with invaluable support since our move.

“The friendly and proactive team has always been on hand to offer advice and support when we needed it.”