BISS Ltd, the once wholly-owned technology subsidiary of BICC Plc, announced the first year-end figures since the management buyout in July 1993. The company, which specialises in network integration support services, made pre-tax profits of UKP1m on turnover of UKP15.1m. Mark Hayden, managing director, says a substantial part of its profit will be invested in recruitment; BISS plans to take on 20 to 25 individuals in the next year. According to Hayden, increasing productivity per head is a key strategy for the company. Since 1990 BISS has cut its software specialists by 42% and increased revenue per head by 11%. Similarly an increase of 55% in network specialists has produced an increase in revenue per head of 40.7% BISS intends to expand its software division to offer more consultancy support, providing value added services from project management, system design and development and system integration through to support. Hayden believes the strength of the company rests on two main factors: it has an OpenCare support system, which BISS says is unique because it will take on the total responsibility for a client’s network so the client does not have to isolate the problem and then go to one particular supplier for help. And the company believes it has built up a reputation on the back of contracts from the blue chips which has provide roughly 60% in repeat business. The company has a UKP3.2m cash balance that it intends to use to expand the software side of the business.
