Governance Integrity Solutions on Ecclesall Road has developed an online system for boards of directors.
Global company moves to sheffield to help businesses
The company, has additional bases in London and Wales after initially being launched in South Africa, also provides products which support good governance across industry sectors, including pension funds and the public sector.
To support their UK expansion, Governance Integrity Solutions has received a £150,000 equity linked investment from South Yorkshire Investment Fund. The funding will help build awareness of its services to the industry through marketing collateral, such as sales brochures, support services and a new website.
Jonathan Lewis, managing director of Governance Integrity Solutions, said: “A failure in governance can result in a collapse of the organisation.
“We can help a board of directors identify risk assessment responsibilities, gain assurance from management that all risks are being implemented and monitored, and enable the company to benchmark itself against its peers.
“Our web-based solution enables us to load bespoke content which is appropriate to a client's particular sector to help identify where the organisation is doing well and where it can improve.
“This is done electronically meaning it is quick, easy to use and cost effective. We can also tailor content to meet the client needs and their market, while providing training and presentations on governance for boards and management.”
Jonathan sold a similar company in South Africa in 2004 after enjoying rapid growth in a two-year period. He subsequently devised a new product within the industry, offering an improved service, but was restrained from trading in competition against his previous business until 2009.
He used this time to explore expanding the business into Europe and began to research the UK where he identified a gap in the market.
Governance Integrity Solutions were recommended to base themselves in Yorkshire by Stuart Ager, network director of the Global Entrepreneur Programme, part of UK Trade and Investment -www.entrepreneurs.gov.uk.
Jonathan added: “When looking for a base in the UK, the investment that was available from SYIF made South Yorkshire an attractive option for the development of the business.
“We are now in the process of setting up the company and securing clients. Our three-year plan aims for the business to have more than 20 employees to support the work we will have in place by 2012.”
David Livesley, investment manager at South Yorkshire Investment Fund, said: “Evidence has shown that any company which is upfront and transparent about its risk management will be more attractive to investors. Good governance can help an organisation work better.
“Governance Integrity Solutions was itself an attractive proposition to invest in. It is providing a unique service and has a successful track record, so we have great belief that the company will grow and grow.”
SYIF can provide seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments, ranging from £15,000 to £2.5m, specifically to help small and medium businesses meet the gaps in funding they need for growth and development.
For more information about South Yorkshire Investment Fund, please visit www.syif.com or ring 01709 386377.