AN INTERNATIONAL software consultancy that chose Teesside as its UK base has moved into bigger offices to prepare for further expansion.

Symbiosys Consulting started in South Africa in 2001, expanded to the USA then opened a UK development base in UK Steel Enterprise’s Innovation Centre on the Kirkleatham Business Park in Redcar. It has a team of four software developers based there and has taken extra space to take on more.

Rob Laverick, who has been a developer with the company for 10 years, said: "We are anticipating a very busy 2015. The demand is showing there is real potential for growth this year. Originally, we were rather dependant on one large contract but are diversifying very successfully which means our team will grow too.”

Symbiosys works with start-ups to multinationals, building software systems and complex web applications for projects that include budget planning for research and development, industrial processes and financial systems.

"We have just completed a process re-engineering initiative for a multinational where we managed to retire the use of spreadsheets to collate and distribute data. The web based solution is simpler, safer and more cost effective.

"We have also built an iPad based audit application recently which is transforming the work of oil rig inspectors, potentially saving lives in the process.

"We haven’t been in the Innovation Centre for very long but the facilities and support are ideal for us. We wanted to stay so were delighted when UK Steel Enterprise was able to provide us with the extra office space we need.”

The calibre of job applications from developers was a big part of the company’s decision to strengthen the UK team last year.

Mr Laverick said: “We need exceptional programmers with the ability to problem solve and are finding the skills and expertise we need on Teesside. Business is going well and our emphasis on providing the quality service that brings us repeat business and recommendations is paying off."