A SUNDERLAND technology business is heading for the big 4-0, after rapid client growth has seen it significantly increase its workforce.
Saggezza, which works with businesses to explore how they can get more value from their data, has seen its team quickly grow in recent months and is in the process of adding to its number with new appointments set to take its headcount to 40.
The success follows news that one of the company’s divisions has been sold to US software giant Cisco. The San Jose-headquartered technology brand acquired Saggezza’s Advanced Analytics software and team for an undisclosed sum, in a move that will allow Cisco to realise its strategic goals to develop innovative big data analytics, and cloud technologies, while also cultivating top talent.
The company has enjoyed significant growth since opening up an office in Sunderland Software Centre in 2014. It’s current recruitment drive follows a number of new client wins across the business and – as the company prepares to keep up its impressive record – it has moved into a larger office that is big enough for 50 members of staff.
Lucy Harber, HR & Operations Manager at Saggezza, said: “Across the business, 2017 has been a fantastic year, and the expansion in Sunderland follows the phenomenal news of the sale of a division of the business to Cisco, testament to the level of skill and proficiency that exists in the Saggezza team.
“We are delighted to be able to strengthen the Sunderland team, and to make a further commitment to the North East, having moved the majority of our UK operations here from London over the last few years. We know that we are capable of growing further, and we look forward to bringing in more new talent that is capable of driving ongoing expansion.”
Saggezza, based in the US, has offices around the world. It helps businesses accelerate growth and uncover opportunities, providing expertise in the areas of big data analytics, customer communications management, and user experience design.
Martin Williams, Saggezza’s managing director of UK operations, said: “We have a fantastic proposition as a company, but that relies on talented people and we have found a great many skilled people in Sunderland, able to help us take the business to the next level.
“The latest wave of expansion is yet more fantastic news for the Sunderland team and shows the level of confidence we have in the area’s ability to produce some of the most highly-prized people out there.”
The company has been supported with its expansion by Sunderland City Council’s business investment team.
Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Saggezza is a fantastic business, something that has been demonstrated clearly by Cisco’s decision to buy out one of its divisions.
“Sunderland is home to a growing tech and digital sector, and the University of Sunderland, Sunderland College and others are responding to that by producing skilled, talented individuals who can meet the fast-changing needs of businesses in this dynamic field. Couple that with the state-of-the-art environment we have created in the shape of Sunderland Software Centre, and it is no surprise that business is booming for Saggezza. We look forward to supporting them as they prepare to reach their next milestone.”
Billy Webber, chief operating officer at Sunderland Software City, which aims to strengthen the region’s economy by helping companies in the area to grow, create jobs and attract investment, said that he had little doubt that the company was on the road to further success.
“Saggezza is a fantastic business, and one that not only has ambitious plans, but has the talent and leadership to succeed.
“We have supported the organisation since they located in Sunderland and we look forward to continuing to support them as they add to their team and enjoy further growth.”
For more information about Saggezza visit www.saggezza.com or follow @saggezza_inc on Twitter, or to find out more about Sunderland as a place for software businesses, follow @MAKEitSund, visit www.makeitsunderland.com, email info@makeitsunderland.com or call +44 (0)191 561 1194. Or for more on Sunderland Software City, visit www.sunderlandsoftwarecity.com or call 0845 872 8575.
Sunderland Software City is funded from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.