Rapid Expansion for Nexus Open Systems

After increasing its staff seven-fold from five to more than 35 in less than six years, Nexus Open Systems, an Exeter-based Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company has outgrown its current premises and is looking to further expand. Nexus Open Systems, which supplies and integrates ICT for businesses and organisations of all sizes, was founded by its five directors in 1998 and has grown to become one of the south west's largest ICT specialists with an annual turnover in excess of £3m. The company's rapid expansion at Pynes Hill, Business Park, was helped by Business Link Devon and Cornwall after an initial contact with the Information Gateway service.

A personal business adviser then brokered in specialists from areas including funding, business planning and recruitment.

Darren Scully, commercial director at Nexus, said: "Business Link has supplied us with a wide range of services that have helped the company create successful strategies to grow the business and manage change"

Business Link and Nexus also worked together to promote the company's key software product MiCore Portal Engine to local companies wishing to create powerful Intranets, Extranets and public Web Portals.

The dynamic new software product was launched last year and featured in the Department of Trade and Industry's Best Practice video diaries filmed at leading westcountry recruitment agency Concept Staffing. It shows how companies can use MiCore to develop an e-business strategy to improve communication and collaboration, as well as to work from home remotely and have access to office systems in real time from anywhere in the world.

"Nexus will launch MiCore Portal Engine nationally next year and we have high hopes that the software will become one of the most popular Web Portal products available" added Liz Armstrong, marketing executive at Nexus.

“Already one of our larger westcountry clients is rolling out a world wide Intranet and Extranet using MiCore. It's great news - here we are, a small Devon company, with a competitive and innovative product making its way on to the world stage.

"Nexus is one of a number of rapidly expanding Exeter based businesses in the ICT sector, says Peter Harvey, Head of Advisory Services at Business Link Devon and Cornwall. The city has an excellent reputation for both the quality of its lifestyle and as a good place to do business. Modern communication techniques now enable many more businesses to operate successfully away from the major conurbations".

Nexus will be exhibiting again at Business South West on October 14 and 15 at Exeter's Westpoint Arena where Business Link is sponsoring the Business Advice Zone and the Network Cafe.