Integralis geared for growth
UK singled out as star performer as integrator posts 2007 results
Graham Jones: In Europe we have always looked at moving into new territory, but it has to make good business sense
Ambitious security integrator Integralis is setting its sights on China and the Far East as it continues to push for growth.
The firm recently released its 2007 year end results, hailed as its ‘best ever’ performance in its 20-year history. The integrator also singled out its UK division as a star performer, posting an overall turnover growth of 20 per cent.
Consolidated turnover for the group hit € 158.3m, with profit after tax of € 5.2m.
Graham Jones, chief operating officer of Integralis said the continued growth was due to Integralis’ managed services push.
“Being profitable does not equal successful. Last year was the first year we had turned around our fortunes and this year it has been proved sustainable. The main growth was in the UK and our drive towards services.”
This services drive was more pronounced in the US because it was a fresh business model, Jones said.
“In the US we have just installed a new management team . We are still working with vendors, but we have a far heavier focus on developing managed services and opening that out to partners in the region.
“Clearly growth in the US has got to be through acquisition – we have over 50 states to penetrate and will be looking at firms that offer consultancy or managed services. In Europe we have always looked at moving into new territory, but it has to make good business sense – there is no point buying less profitable companies," he added.
“We will continue to expand in the UK, but we are now looking for the right quality people. We have a full time recruiter in place who is always on the lookout for the right people.”
However Jones said a major focus for Integralis towards the end of the year will be to beef up its China and Far Eastern presence to establish itself as a true global player.
“We already have a very small presence out there and have opened up an operations centre. If you are going to go global, you have to have a real strategy for the Far East. However that will be in Q3/Q4,” he said.