06 March 2007
Jersey firm provides a cure for the doctor – with support from the Economic Development Department Enterprise and Business Development team
The Economic Development Department’s new Enterprise and Business Development strategy designed to encourage entrepreneurial activity and business start-ups has delivered a notable success. Jersey company, Total Solutions Group (TSG) has developed a new IT system that over three years has revolutionised the way that many Island medical practices manage patients’ accounts. Now, the product has attracted the attention of EMIS, one of the UK’s leading medical IT specialists.
In July 2003 TSG launched a software system to relieve the administrative headaches caused by the management of patients’ accounts. Since October 2006 TSG has worked with the Enterprise and Business Development team (EBD) of the Economic Development Department and received advice and support including a significant emphasis on business planning, product development and developing export markets.
Senator Philip Ozouf, Economic Development Minister, said: “This is the sort of success story we will see much more of. I believe Jersey has a great deal of home-grown talent which in the past has lacked the dedicated and targeted support needed to turn good ideas into profitable business. By giving fledgling entrepreneurs the advice they need, we should see significant development in the contribution local business makes to the Island economy.”
Danny Bannister, Commercial Director of Total Solutions Group said: “The combination of targeted and accurate business support from the E&BD team helped the company maximise its market opportunities.. The professional advice provided ensured we were well prepared for contractual negotiations and has also encouraged us to review our business plan and growth projections. The combination of business advice, funding and support has propelled us forward by at least 12 months””
The Enterprise and Business Development strategy focuses on growing existing businesses and increasing new business start ups. The implementation and delivery of the strategy is achieved through a combination of products and services based on a one-to-one relationship between the EBD team and its customers. Total Solutions Group applied for, and were successfully awarded, support under the Jersey Export Development Initiative (JEDI), which provides support for Jersey businesses to identify and grow export market opportunities. TSG will use this support to exhibit at Trade Shows in the UK, which will raise their profile within the competitive medical software market. In addition, support provided by the Jersey Innovation Initiative programme has allowed TSG to develop the software for other markets such as dental practices.
ENDS
NOTES to editors
The Enterprise and Business Development team are implementing and delivering the Economic Development Department’s Enterprise and Business Development Strategy, announced by Senator Philip Ozouf in October 06. This strategy is a key component of the Economic Growth Plan aimed at delivering sustained real economic growth of 2% or above.
The Enterprise and Business Development strategy recognises the pitfalls that small businesses may be faced with, and with the portfolio of services developed will overcome any barriers previously identified. A Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme has been introduced to provide security to any business that has insufficient security to secure a business loan from a local approved bank.
From July 2007 the Enterprise Development team will move to a dedicated business contact centre in Jubilee Wharf
EMIS are the leading software provider to primary healthcare in the UK with currently 55% (5000+) of GP Surgeries using their clinical software.
Further information about Enterprise and Business Development can be downloaded from page:
http://www.gov.je/NR/rdonlyres/48D889E4-53AB-4978-9327-62476D2C4D5D/0/EBDStrategyFinal.pdf
Call Sean Pritchard, Acting Enterprise and Business Development Director on 448141
gov.je