A NORTH EAST software business is readying itself for growth after expanding its portfolio into new sectors and overseas.
Ginilab Ltd moved to Sunderland Software Centre in September and has since taken on two new members of staff to support its growing workload. Already employing six, the company expects to take on more staff over the coming months, as it continues to win new business.
The software as a service business (SaaS), founded in Sunderland in 2012, provides customer relationship management (CRM), EPOS, e-commerce, web, apps, mobile and other services; recently adding Aberdeen-based Westerton Access, to its list of clients.
Westerton Access, part of Westerton UK, specialises in industrial rope access work and works with over 100 rigs, including “super majors” in the oil and gas industry, Shell and BP, and is keen to reduce one of the industry’s most common causes of accident – objects falling from above. Ginilab developed a system to reduce dropped objects and assist inspectors in their safety and efficiency surveys across the rigs the business supports.
Zahid Islam, founder and owner of Ginilab Ltd, said: “It’s really exciting to get such a big contract like Westerton Access. We’ve already had to take on more staff to handle the continually growing client list we have.”
The first few years of Ginilab focused on creating innovative software that was easy to use for clients, and now that the products are polished, the business is able to tailor its service to each business, a factor that is being noticed in industries from catering and event management to offshore surveying and accountancy.
Ginilab has developed a number of websites and CRM systems for a variety of clients, including working with over 60 restaurants and takeaways across the region to develop websites and apps, and with some of the region’s smaller football clubs to develop mobile ticketing services.
Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to have another innovative business choose Sunderland Software Centre as its base. Many businesses are realising the benefits of being in a city putting its burgeoning software and digital community at the heart of its economic development plans.
“Sunderland Software Centre provides the perfect hub for digital and technology businesses of all types to collaborate, and is a space that really fosters innovation. The centre has built a reputation that is giving a certain level of gravitas to businesses based here.”
Mr Islam said that the company has not actively searched for new clients to date, instead new customers have found them. This includes one of the company’s newest clients, a utility provider, whose projects are expected to see Ginilab take on more staff.
Mr Islam added: “Our team is all local. I myself completed my Masters in computer science at the University of Sunderland. After previously studying in Malaysia and then lecturing in Bangladesh for a few years after my Masters, I knew I wanted to come back to Sunderland to start my business here.
“Being in Sunderland Software Centre gives the right image for us, and that is important in helping us to bring in more business, having the centre as our address has clearly helped.
“I have invited my friends from London to come and visit the city and to see what the region has on offer for this sector, because I’m truly proud to call Sunderland and the North East my home.”
For more information about Ginilab Ltd, visit www.ginilab.com or call 0333 577 8890, or follow them on Google Plus, +Ginilab. For more information about Sunderland as a place for software, visit www.makeitsunderland.com, call 0191 561 1194, or email info@makeitsunderland.com. Or follow @MAKEitSund on Twitter.
