Firm continues to evolve

Published:   28th Jun 2007, 09:13

Today, we are a leading Scottish information technology business, providing services and solutions for clients in a range of sectors across the country and also working in the international arena.

In addition to our headquarters in Aberdeen's Queen's Road, we have expanded into the central belt, with offices in Dunfermline and Glasgow to help service a growing number of clients.

Managing director Alistair Findlater said: "We are a relatively mature company in a young sector which always provides fresh challenges, which means each working day is exciting and interesting.".

The current tycom is a far cry from our origins in Typewriter Services and Equipment Aberdeen (Tyseal), dating back to the 1940s.

John Williams, who set up that company, was astute enough to react to Aberdeen's early oil boom by expanding his business to deal in all office supplies.

He and John Fraser - still a director - were also quick to recognise the rise of computers for the office but, lacking the technical knowledge to branch into that market on their own, established Tyseal Computers and recruited Mr Findlater and his colleague Brian West from Olivetti, where Mr Findlater had started as a trainee system analyst.

The business began to specialise in accounting software for the office PC market, and quickly developed.

Mr Williams retired in the late-80s, selling Tyseal to a stockmarket-listed company, but Tyseal Computers retained its independence and became Ty-com Business Systems Ltd.

Mr Findlater, managing director for 14 years, said: "A career in IT was a new concept when I was starting out, but I was fascinated by the vision of the future.

Being in the IT sector ensures I am constantly up to date with technological advancements. Also, our own team develops new software and new ways of working on a weekly basis, which is very exciting and makes for a great environment to work in.".

Mr Findlater believes in maintaining a hands-on approach to developing the business and works with his team to find and nurture new clients and in selling tycom's own bespoke software.

"I enjoy being involved in all areas of the business from commissioning new software development to assisting on the helpdesk," he said

As we mark 30 years in the business, several employees will be celebrating milestones of their own.

"Many of our employees have been with us for over 20 years and working with these people is exceptionally rewarding," said Mr Findlater.

The firm's 35-strong staff, 10 of them in Glasgow and Dunfermline, support over 300 businesses throughout Scotland and internationally and our growth has also led to an office being opened in Houston. It is projected we will have a payroll of 40 by the end of this year.

Having developed software packages such as for asset tracking - ideally suited to the oil industry - it quickly recognised the need for a presence in Houston to properly target the US market.

Mr Findlater said: "We help customers to create real efficiencies and bring peace of mind, which lets them concentrate on their company's core business objectives and not worry about IT."

He said tycom was the first IT firm in Scotland to offer a helpdesk support facility as part of IT contracts, adding: "We must be doing something right as we have held some clients for nearly 30 years. IT is always changing and evolving and, as a company with 30 years' experience, we have a head start on many other companies in the market today.".

Mr Findlater said tycom turned over around £2.75million in 2006 and this year annual turnover should grow to £3.5million.