40 years at the top
As its 40th anniversary year draws to a close, the team at Business Micros is going out with a bang by becoming one of the main sponsors at this year’s G-Awards.
Managing director Graeme Bailey said the investment in the awards night is all about giving something back to an industry that has supported Business Micros every step of the way since it was founded in 1979.
He said: “This has been a year of celebration for Business Micros and what better way to end it than with our friends, colleagues and customers toasting all that this industry has achieved in 2019.
“We’re up for our own separate set of awards, but this gives us another chance to remind everyone just how important software has become to fenestration over the last 40 years, and how Business Micros has always been right at the heart of that.
“Our team will be there on the big night in November to congratulate the winners and also to reflect on the contribution we continue to make in helping so many businesses in this industry to make major advances.”
In 1979, when Des Sharratt and Alistair Fyall first established Business Micros in Penpont, Scotland, the company only supplied software to the aluminium window and door sector, but quickly advanced into timber and PVCU during the boom years of the 1980s.
Graeme Bailey and the company’s technical director Jim Cronie didn’t join until 1990 but together, over the last 29 years, they have helped to shape Business Micros into what it is today.
In 1990, there were around 250 customers and just a handful of staff. Now, the number of customers stands at more than 2000 and, within its two distinct divisions – Business Micros and BM Aluminium – the company employs close to 50 people.
For much of this year, the anniversary celebrations have centred around the contribution being made by some of those 50 people, and a spotlight has been shone on many who work behind the scenes.
From the company’s Penpont programming and support office, that includes people like operations manager Jude Knowles, technical services manager Bret Park, and brother and sister Vince Kelly and Lisa Lockhart who work in programming and accounts. And, from the Newton-le-Willows installation office, it includes installations manager David Stockwell, technician Dean Peake-Whitehurst, and admin expert Louise Anderson.
“There’s a huge amount of experience and expertise within our team but also a continuing enthusiasm and excitement for what is coming next,” Graeme said.“I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved but I know we’re moving on to even bigger things.
“From the days of our WinStar programme, through our Evolution and EvoNET systems right up to our newest Infinity products, we have always been trailblazers in this industry and we intend to continue to be so for many years to come.
“We’ve got some important announcements to make in the coming weeks and months which will no doubt make a considerable impact in the market and will emphasise how, even after 40 years, we still believe that we are still the ones to watch.”
