TYNESIDE FIRM ON CLOUD NINE
WITH EXPORT SUCCESS
A Tyneside firm is on cloud nine with the overseas success of its “cloud computing” technology following support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
Arjuna Technologies Ltd, of Newcastle, began life as a Newcastle University research group in 1985. It was founded in 2002 and specialises in software product development.
More recently the company has focussed on “cloud computing”, which put simply is “IT-as-a-service” – placing the focus of IT onto the delivery of services rather than the maintenance of IT infrastructure. This approach encourages the consumption of off-the-shelf services from third party suppliers who host and manage the service and thereby enables an organisation’s IT department to focus on customised added-value for their users.
Arjuna has developed a specialised cloud management product – Agility – which enables the flexible sharing of IT resources and services within an organisation and beyond and was keen to explore its potential in the USA.
The company signed up to UKTI’s Gateway to Global Growth (G3) programme to access the support it needed to research the market and commissioned an Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) report for an in-depth look at the opportunities.
Following initial approaches in the USA, Arjuna was invited to take part in the UKTI Cloud Computing Market Visit to Boston and San Francisco to further develop key relationships and “prove” the new technology in what is a highly competitive market.
Steve Caughey, Chief Executive at Arjuna Technologies Ltd, said:
“Being based in the North East provides a lot of advantages, particularly access to talented engineering staff. However, we are somewhat removed from the hub of software business which remains strongly centred on the US.
“Support from UKTI has been essential in enabling us to raise our profile in this crucial market.
“The UKTI team in both the UK and the US provided analysis of our market sector and facilitated introductions at the highest levels with appropriate companies. With their help we are now connected to a number of US businesses that have the global reach to fully exploit our ground-breaking technology.”
Jayne Pickersgill one of UK Trade & Investment’s International Trade Advisers who has worked closely with the company, said:
“The USA is a challenging market and it is vital with any new, cutting edge technology such as ‘Agility’ to take a strategic approach to identifying and networking with the right contacts and businesses from the outset.
“We’ve been able to assist Arjuna all the way, from considering the best approach to launch Agility in the USA by helping the company to identify the right contacts to setting up meetings with the key decision makers to enable the company to prove its worth.
“Significant time and resources were put into evaluating the market, but the company is now reaping the rewards of that investment and is another great illustration of how a North East company can succeed on the international stage.”
For more information about the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/UKTINorthEast.
Notes to Editors
1. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media. You can also keep in touch with developments at UKTI through www.blog.ukti.gov.uk, www.twitter.com/ukti and www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ukti.
2. Companies in the North East can find out more about the services available through UK Trade & Investment by contacting the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk
3. Gateway to Global Growth (G3) –focuses on the needs of innovative companies with two to ten years experience in exporting and follows the successful format of “Passport” whereby an ITA works with the company to conduct an international business review and then help develop a strategic action plan. The company then receives ongoing support as it implements its plan over 12 months, utilising all of the services appropriate to its needs.
4. The Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) offers a flexible service that can be tailored to offer a range of support from researching the market and highlighting potential business contacts to guidance on technical standards, labelling and packaging requirements. It offers ten levels of service, built around the typical requirements of a business making its first steps into a new market, all providing a flexible blend of preparatory advice and research as well as support when a company visits the market. Prices vary depending on the level of service required. The overseas experts will propose a programme of support and advice that meets a company’s individual needs. This could include an analysis of possible market entry strategies, identification of possible business partners and preliminary discussions with them on the company’s behalf. Staff can also identify potential customers and contacts to meet during a visit to the target market. Research would highlight local conditions and may include advice on competitors, local regulations and standards relating to the company’s products or services. Staff can also assist with introductions to translators or interpreters, offer advice and assistance with publicity in the target market, help organise events and set up key appointments or find relevant tender opportunities.
5. Market Visits – each year an extensive programme of market visits is organised by UK Trade & Investment offering companies the chance to visit a market as part of a delegation with the support of an experienced International Trade Adviser (ITA). Includes briefings with overseas staff both before and during the visit and comprehensive support from the ITA before, during and after the visit.
6. European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 International trade support services in the North East are financed in part by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness programme 2007-13, securing £5,999,216 of ERDF investment through regional development agency One North East. The ERDF Competitiveness programme 2007-13 is investing over £250m in North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region. The ERDF Competitiveness programme 2007-13 for North East England is managed by One North East on behalf of the European Commission, national government and regional partners. ERDF 2007-13 is focusing on:
Innovation – promoting science technology and innovation in businesses and institutions across the region.
Enterprise and business support – encouraging more people to start up in business, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, and helping established businesses develop, grow and innovate.
More than £300m ERDF investment is available for the region from 2007-13. ERDF investment is limited to 50% of total eligible cost and must be matched by other public and private sources. For every pound of ERDF investment, regional partners lever in another pound for the key priorities of innovation, enterprise and business support.
The programme is underpinned by the three important cross cutting themes of environmental sustainability, equality of opportunity and sustainable communities.
Issued on behalf of UK Trade & Investment by COI News and PR North East.
For more information and contact Karen Bell, TEL: 0191 283 4003;
EMAIL: karen.bell@coi.gsi.gov.uk
