Chess enters the cloud and seeks more deals

CHESS, the ambitious Cheshire-based telecoms supplier has moved into cloud computing services with the acquisition of The CRM Business.

The CRM Business employs 15 people at its offices by Manchester Airport and in Sheffield. The deal is Chess’ 12th so far of 2013 and the Alderley Edge-based company says it is keen to acquire more businesses in the cloud.

The CRM Business, is a key Microsoft partner in Europe for CRM online and a ‘gold partner’ since 2007.

Chess chief executive David Pollock said: “Customer Relationship Management software is at the heart of every business. Chess has been keen to acquire a cloud CRM software business to enhance our customer offering.

“We’re extremely excited to have The CRM Business as part of the Chess Group, with our support they’re set to capitalize on their market-leading position with Microsoft Dynamics CRM and its fast worldwide sales growth.

“Innovative products and services create new and exciting opportunities for our businesses, people, partners and customers.”

The CRM Business will continue to operate from its existing offices.

Managing Director, Roger Collins commented “We are delighted to be part of the Chess Group of companies. With the added expertise and telecoms industry knowledge Chess will provide, I am confident that The CRM Business will continue to go from strength to strength and will see a rapid increase in our already very substantial growth, particularly within the telecoms sector.

“We remain committed to delivering world-class CRM and Cloud solutions in close partnership with Microsoft.”

Asked about future deals in this sector, a spokesman said: “Chess have always been an acquisitive company and will always look for opportunities to deliver technological advantage to our people and our customers.

“Cloud is certainly an area we feel the industry is heading and would be interested in hearing from any company interested in selling all or part of their business.”