It’s child’s play for Connect as it expands operations

ESTABLISHED childcare systems developer Connect Technology is experiencing rapid growth, targeting a four-fold increase in turnover this year, following an investment from The North West Fund for Digital and Creative.

Founded in 2004, Connect is a specialist in the supply, installation and support of management software, time and attendance and security systems to the UK childcare sector.

The firm boasts more than 1,000 public and private sector users across the UK, and provides continual development to ensure its technology complies with the latest legislation.

Since the 2012 investment, the business has moved from its 1,500sq ft premises to a new 3,000sq ft office in Burnley.

It has also boosted its headcount, growing from 13 to 40 members of staff, including a number of senior hires. This has enabled the business to project turnover of £1.9m at the end of this year – four times its current revenues.

The funding has also enabled the development and release of two new products, iConnect, a gateway for nursery staff to view key room and child profile information; and ParentZone, an innovative smartphone app that puts a Facebook-style timeline of a child’s day in nursery.

Connect chief executive Chris Reid said: “The North West Fund helped us to bring forward and expand upon our growth plans. The investment enabled us to employ additional, highly skilled staff who have been instrumental in bringing our new innovations to the market for existing and new customers.

 “Our latest developments have been key to helping us secure contracts with many of the UK’s largest nursery chains, as well as nursery groups in Holland and further afield. We are really excited about the future growth possibilities for our products and company following the investment from The North West Fund.”     
Cliff Maylor, chief executive of The North West Fund, said: “The development that we have seen from Connect over the last three years has been impressive. Chris and the management team have grown the business considerably in the intervening period, including a move into a vibrant office space that can facilitate further expansion.

“With the launch of its two new products, and an ongoing recruitment drive, the business is in fantastic shape for the future, with the added benefit of providing additional jobs for the local community.”