News Article

A data analysis company has developed a groundbreaking sales management tool that is expected to double its workforce and increase turnover to £35m by 2010.

Based on Riverside Park, Middlesbrough, Rocket Science was established in 1992 following a management buy-out by its chief scientist Alan Timothy.  Currently employing 50 people across three sites, the firm launched ‘i-snapshot’ last year, after securing a £30,000 Research and Development Grant from regional development agency One North East to support the project. 

‘i-snapshot’ allows field sales people to report their progress back to the office from their mobile phone in real time.  By sending a coded text message to an allocated number, information is visible online within just 20 seconds.

The system breaks data into online reports used to understand individual activity, including the volume of sales calls, locations and how many orders have been closed.  This information can be used to increase sales by identifying areas where individuals can raise their performance and define varying training needs.

The system is quick and efficient, providing real time data and reducing the time spent by sales people reporting at the end of a day.

In just its first year, ‘i-snapshot’ is being used by 35 businesses across 55 sites.  Its customer base spans eight countries, including South America, Holland, Sweden and Australia, and includes Sony, Nestle, JT Dove and Jewson.

i-snapshot had sales of £481,000  last year, which is expected to increase to £2.5m in 2008 and £17m in 2009.

The system can be used by any mobile phone in the world and i-snapshot expects that 2,000 sales people will be using the system globally over the next three years.

Mr Timothy, said: “The popularity of ‘i-snapshot’ has been overwhelming and we were thrilled to get the support we needed from One North East to help us develop the product in its early stages.

“It is the only reporting system of its kind and is proving invaluable to management by providing data that can help increase the company’s sales and ultimately profits.”

One North East Business Finance Specialist Adviser, Gary Roe, said: “It is fantastic to see that the grant support allocated last year has made such a positive impact on the business.  Rocket Science is an example of an innovative firm using new ideas and technology to expand and is an inspiration to other growing businesses across the region.”

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For more information please contact: Melanie Armstrong, press office, One North East on Tel: (0191) 2296894. e-mail: melanie.armstrong@onenortheast.co.uk