Kildare tech firm still riding the wave

AFTER THE BOOM: THE RECESSION hasn't reached Waveform Solutions, a Kildare technology company that not only expects to grow this year but is also hiring.

The Celbridge-based firm has increased staff numbers by almost 50 per cent and revenue is up 10 per cent this year.

Co-owner Alan Carroll says the business, which was formed in 1988 and provides data capture and mobility solutions, is thriving.

“By the end of the year, we will be up by at least 20 per cent, judging by what we have seen so far. We are growing so we are bucking the trend. We are doing better in the recession.”

Carroll hired two staff in May and will employ another person in August, increasing his workforce to 10. This comes just a few months after he took over the company with his partner Philip Moore, having worked there for 10 years.

“Our business is busy across all of the sectors. A lot of people are looking to spend money on technology to help them through the recession. They do not want to use too much paper and can cut down on labour costs and be more efficient.”

He admits the downturn has changed how the company is run.

“I do know many businesses are suffering and we have changed. We are not doing things the same way we were last year.”

The firm has begun pricing software differently, increased payment flexibility and offering leasing options to clients.

“These things are helping the wheels keep moving. It has stimulated things very well,” he says. “Rather than dropping prices, we are doing good deals spreading payments over time and leasing products.”

The company also relocated its offices from Dublin city to Celbridge, which cut rental costs by 20 per cent and reduced staff’s work commute. “The biggest saving is on productivity. Most staff now live within 10 to 15 minutes from the office. My staff are coming in earlier and staying later. Their fuel bills have gone down drastically. It has been a positive move.”

- RENEE JONES

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