CBS talks up growth ambitions

Birmingham-based VAR spills beans on new hires and acquisition plans

Birmingham-based VAR Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS) is thinking of hitting the acquisition trail to bolster its UK coverage.

The Microsoft Gold partner specialises in the provision of hardware, software, managed and outsourcing services to SMB customers in the West Midlands.

The firm, which is due to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, told ChannelWeb it has been on a "strong growth curve for the past three to four years" and is on the hunt for new recruits to join its 15-strong team.

Stephen Hennessy, sales manager at CBS, said the firm is specifically looking to recruit two new sales and two technical staff over the coming months.

"We are looking for people with industry experience," he said. "The uncertainty in the jobs market at the moment means that a lot of the best people are staying where they are, so this is a process we are prepared to take our time over."

He cited the economic downturn, and the upturn in demand it has created for outsourcing services, as having a positive effect on the business.

"SMBs have been looking for ways to make savings during the recession and employing a full-time IT manager is an expense that can be difficult for small businesses to justify," he explained.

"Outsourcing allows them to bring in someone who does not require any training, holiday or sick leave, on a flexible basis, which saves them money."

Because of the success the firm has had over the past couple of years, Hennessy added that the company is now in a financial position to start making acquisitions.

"We have a very geographically tight area of focus, but if opportunities were to arise that would allow us to move into other areas either through acquisitions or partnering with other companies, it would be of interest," he added.