In fact, our 15th anniversary was during the first lockdown of 2020 and just as many of you could not celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings – nor could we, and nor did we think it was right to do so given the challenges that everyone faced – it would have to wait…till now.
At the risk of making an understatement, the last 5 (err 6) years have been extraordinary and have seen many changes at Blue Rock, but we are pleased to say that most of the old guard, the people that we have worked with as a team for decades, remain as do most of our customers. We have seen customers expand their operations exponentially during our watch, a few have been acquired, but the lions share has got bigger, better, and more productive – and we have played our part providing innovative software and systems to support this.
Steady growth
Organic growth was the focus over the last 5 years as was providing a genuine “one stop shop” for merchants and distributors who wanted one number to call regarding their business software, e-commerce, and hosting. The growth in these last two items has been dramatic increase with Blue Rock now hosting more than 2500 users – almost a fivefold increase in 5 years.
Our 45 full time, UK based staff look after 300 customer sites and maintain 650 support contracts, but our aim has never been about being the biggest but in providing a thorough service with cutting edge technology. Our customer retention has been exemplary bringing us to a position where we can spend more time with the clients we have and with the dozen or so that join us or upgrade with us every year. The latest version of Intact iQ, with its inherent technology and flexibility have provided us with the ability to install much “wider” applications, with more automation and workflow – which improved the customer experience, the adoption of the systems and, most importantly, enhances the customers productivity.
The same, exciting technology has been a draw, not only to customers but also to consultants who have joined Blue Rock. We would like to think that it is our culture as well as these modern tools that attract them, but regardless, we are proud to boast of an exceptional professional services team covering business software, hosting, e-commerce and, in many ways – the most important, support.
Looking to the future
And what of the next five years? It would appear, that the appetite, by the independent merchants and suppliers for effective IT and digital transformation is unabated – and if anything, made more urgent by the events of 2020. We think we will be very busy with our existing customers and those that choose to join us ensuring that they remain competitive and as productive as possible against the nationals, internationals and online giants.
Blue Rock – an Independent supporting Independents
