Techex redirects product focus

Techex Communications will pull the plug on its software distribution and development arms to concentrate solely on messaging and network audit services.

The move comes after Techex lost five additional staff, only weeks after MD Helena Wand resigned. Resignations include BT account managers Julie Bevis, Chantal Clarkson and Jackie Sharp, as well as management accountant Angela Banks. Former commercial director Matthew Hathorn also resigned, but will work on the BT account on a contractual basis.

Techex will close down its software distribution and development arms to develop its outsource messaging and network audit services as well as offering back-up for BTNet. Mark Randall, Techex joint MD, admitted: 'We're winding these areas down because they aren't contributing a significant revenue and we can't afford to concentrate on so many areas.'

According to Randall, Techex plans to terminate outstanding contracts by mid May.

He admitted some of the losses from the Maidenhead-based service provider were linked to Wand's departure. He said: 'I believe Helena's departure was a catalyst for Chantal and Julie to a certain extent. They are her personal friends.'

Randall described the previous structure under Wand as 'largely correct', but claimed the company needed to adapt due to market changes. He said: 'In the past two or three months, we have gone from making between 10 and 25 per cent of our revenue from the BT contract. We're going to continue expanding this.'