New system improves project management ; State-of-the-art software solution increases efficiency in contracts [Hull Daily Mail (England)]

(Hull Daily Mail (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) InShort Melton-based software company Sypro has developed a unique project management system.

It is now working on major contracts around the UK.

A TECH-SAVVY East Yorkshire business has designed a state-of- theart software solution that will make multi-million pound contracts simpler and easier to manage.

Melton-based Sypro has developed an innovative online project management system, which is also called Sypro, to manage the New Engineering Contract (NEC).

The NEC is a family of contracts used by firms in construction projects. It keeps track of project management principles and practices, as well as legal aspects. According to Sypro, the NEC has been identified as the "exemplar contract" by the Cabinet office, to be used for any public sector development works in construction or civil works.

Run by Simon Hunt, Stuart King and Gerard Toplass, who is also managing director at Claughtons Office Equipment Ltd, the business is proving that even a three-man team is able to conquer big markets.

Mr Hunt said: "We are a very small business but we're involved in a large amount of projects and are quite unique in what we do.

"We are now looking to expand our portfolio of products, which is a very positive move and could increase the up-take of what we do." The team at Sypro developed the unique software five years ago and it is now being used for huge contracts. One such contract is the Pounds 842m New Southern General Hospitals and Laboratory scheme in Glasgow.

Mr Hunt launched Sypro after leaving a job in the pharmaceutical industry.

He said: "It was a massive risk but we were able to develop the software with contacts Gerard has. We briefed them and it went from there." The Sypro software has been used to manage not only national contracts but also a number of local contracts, including the work at Hull Royal Infirmary on the new A&E department, East Riding Community Hospital and road works along the A164.

Mr Hunt said: "Sypro has been developed to safeguard companies. "It eliminates the risks and you will never be exposed to a massive overrun of costs because you will always see what the worse case of project could be. "We want people to build good roads, great hospitals, to build things efficiently with time and for the benefit of the public, so we created a system that is really simple to use.

"It's very simple to get to grips with. We have made the programme so simple, we have lost out on training revenue but that's a positive thing.

"Sypro provides one complete unit and can enhance a relationship for users." Mr Hunt said Sypro can help to give a team a clearer picture and better understanding of the project.

He said: "It all helps them drive the efficiency of the project." In an attempt to venture into international markets, the business has partnered with global business software company Unit 4, which is headquartered in the Netherlands.

Sypro will work with the Dutch business to enable a new system to help open Sypro up to customers across the world. This new system is currently in the testing process.

Mr Hunt said: "Unit 4 has already got a really good system and we have got a really good system, so if we join together, this is a really positive step forward." Sypro is also looking to do more work within infrastructure and transport, as well as nuclear and overseas work.

Mr Hunt said: "The whole point of this business is the unusual nature of what we do. We are a small team working across the UK and starting to get larger overseas. "There was always going to be a definite market for Sypro. It has been immensely hard work but the rewards are there." GOING INTERNATIONAL: Simon Hunt, who launched computer software Sypro. Picture: Kate Woolhouse "It's very simple to get to grips with." Simon Hunt (c) 2012 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved.

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