BSS Looks Back To The Future As It Plans Major Expansion
December 2003
A small highly innovative software development company that has become a major player in an extremely competitive market is expanding into new custom built premises to meet the growing demand for its services.
BSS currently operates from 1,200sq ft premises in Gowerton and is investing in new 5,000sq ft facilities on the Garngoch Industrial Estate in Gorseinon. The expansion into purpose designed offices is being supported by the Welsh Development Agency and will enable the company to grow.
Although a small company - employing fourteen people - BSS provides a wide portfolio of services to industry, ranging from server hosting to internet and web design, mailing services, networking and hardware and software maintenance.
In the last two years the company has undergone significant changes in order to expand and meet the future needs of industry.
"Communications are changing so rapidly that we looked back to the past to see where we needed to be in the future", explained Managing Director Teifion Davies.
As a result they developed and launched eM1. - a major new product that took four man years to develop which went on the market this year. They have also taken on more graduates and made the decision to invest in new premises.
"The lack of space was holding us back as an increasing number of new customers want us to host their servers and eM1. - our new modular administration control system is already attracting a number of new clients", said Mr Davies.
The new premises will have broadband, ISDN, IP Stream and glass fibre connections as well as a dedicated server room with comprehensive back up and security features, and a conference room with video conference facilities for training clients and staff.
Established twenty years ago by Teifion and his wife Zena, BSS has made a name for itself by developing computer based management systems that can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual companies.
It specialises in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, providing complete financial administration software packages as well as a series of specialist modules to satisfy individual clients' needs.
"My background is in Management Services and we use computer technology as the tool to achieve our aim - which has always been to provide user friendly systems that are easy to understand and easy to operate", Teifion said.
"We don't use jargon or computer terms without explaining what we mean and perhaps the key to our success is that we provide a personal service - the people that develop our systems are the ones that answer the phones and help clients with any problems."
BSS initially specialised in providing systems for fuel distributors - and counts Chevron Texaco amongst its blue chip clients - but now provide a complete solution for all the administration needs of any business.
"It makes sense to outsource any non strategic business activities and more and more companies are doing that. It makes sound economic sense as they can then concentrate on their main business and work more effectively and efficiently", he said
Economic Development and Transport Minister Andrew Davies said: "The Welsh Assembly Government recognises the importance of encouraging the development and expansion of small indigenous Welsh businesses. BSS is an established high tech business that is utilising the latest communication tools to enhance the service it provides its clients."
WDA Executive director Mike King said support from the Agency was vital to help BSS expand.
"BSS is the type of company we need to help grow - it is highly innovative, provides well paid highly skilled jobs and has been extremely successful in gaining a significant slice of a hi-tech market. This expansion will also create four new graduate level jobs, helping to keep local talent in Wales."
