Rock Networks makes solid start

WARRINGTON-based voice and data telecoms seller, Rock Networks, has achieved £1m in contracted revenues less than a year after receiving £250,000 in start-up cash from the North West Fund.

The company was set up by managing director Stewart DeRoma, technical director Dan Cunliffe and chairman Julian Jackson and gained funding in May 2011, which has helped it to taken on around 18 staff and invest in IT and communications equipment.

DeRoma, Cunliffe and Jackson had all worked to build a previous telecoms business, Wigan-based Spiritel Comunications, which was eventually sold to Daisy Group in November 2010 for £27.3m.

The company said that its customer base expanded by 25% in January alone, adding a further £220,000 to its revenues.

Mr DeRoma said: “We were at square one before the investment from The North West Fund. The investment has gone to expanding everything from IT systems and infrastructure to our sales and operating staff.

“The future is promising for Rock as the demand for data specialists is ever-increasing. Hitting the £1 million mark was fantastic but we continue to look to the future to plan for growth.”

Andy Leach, chief executive of North West Business Finance, which manages The North West Fund, said: “We take great pride and pleasure in watching our investee companies develop, and in Rock Network’s case, surpass its goals.

“The funding inspired and enabled Stewart to achieve his ambitions of becoming a major player in the business IT sector and we look forward to helping other entrepreneurs reach their goals.”