futures❵ ENTREPRENEURIAL SPECIAL Pushing the right buttons
The world of technology is fast moving and constantly evolving – Louise Burns speaks to two individuals who are setting the pace
have always confused me. I can switch on a computer and work the basic programmes but that, alas, is where my tecchie know- how ends. Given this, I’m always in awe of those who understand the finer points of working a computer, before even getting into the mysteries of software, programming and coding. And I’m even more impressed by people who
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understand these things enough to build a successful business around them. James Boother (BSc Computer Science, 2000) is one such person. He and business partner Mike Goatly (BSc Computer Science, 1998) founded Live Software Solutions in 2004 with the aim of helping companies with their operations and sales solutions, through the magic of the CRM system (which, for the uninitiated, stands for Customer Relationship Management). The two met during their studies at the University of Hertfordshire and both went on to work for QSA, the company that had also provided James with his sandwich year placement. Currently based in Hatfield, after an initial start in St Albans, the company focuses on working with local SMEs in the South East region, predominantly in telecoms, food and professional services. They’ve also been working in collaboration with the University since 2009. So why did James and Mike decide to get back in contact with the University now? “We recognised that we are a tiny business and through working with UH there is huge scope to be involved in bigger projects and to collaboratively do more exciting things”, said James. His view is that as a small, but growing, business he can’t work on everything so focuses on the areas that they are really good at, namely CRM software development. It is this attitude that has allowed James to look at the wider picture and really see the value of networks
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omputers and
technology
and partnering with key businesses in order to extend what can be delivered by his company. Interestingly, this is also a view shared by the University – despite being a huge organisation in the region. Russell Fenner
(MSc Strategic
Marketing, 2007) has worked with James to help develop the relationships with the School of Computer Science in his role as a Business Development Coordinator: “Our
‘vision’ is to build a consortium of partners to stretch what we can do but also allow for greater research and innovation – we provide the idea which our partners can then help us to turn into a usable business product.” To date, the University has worked with Live
Software Solutions on two projects, with several more in the pipeline. They have also just hired a graduate, supported a project group of MEng Computer Science students and set up a community for database professionals with the University, called Sql Herts (www.
sqlherts.org.uk). Community is a word that comes up frequently with James and Russell, and it’s clear that they both believe that working and engaging with their local business community is vital to success. Russell believes it’s this which makes business
relationships with alumni even more productive, “I think that people like to feel as though they’re coming back and can support students studying now”. This is something James backs up, “I really regret not continuing my relationship with the University after I left and so I had to create a new one on the back of being an alumnus”. This relationship with the University is one that will hopefully continue to grow with Live Software Solutions’s future successes. So, any final words of wisdom from James to potential software entrepreneurs? “Have fun!”- I may not get programming, but that I do understand. f❵
Photography: Istockphoto
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