Booming Before Brexit – BigChange Acquires Labyrinth and Trace
Even as the uncertainty of Brexit looms, some companies in the British tech industry are reporting record profits.
BigChange, a cloud-based workforce management software provider, has acquired two companies – Trace Systems and Labyrinth Logistics – after recording unprecedented financial success in 2018. Sales at the company hit a record £11m in 2018, an increase of 65% from 2017, and profits almost tripled over the same time-span.
The firm is now expanding domestic operations, before offering its products to the European and US markets.
JobWatch, the software produced by BigChange, enables companies to manage, schedule and track mobile workforces and transport operations. This was taken on by several new clients in 2018, including Braemar Shipping Services, BID Group, Arco, Recycling Lives, Jackson Fire & Security, PHMG and Snorkel UK.
Leamington-based Logistics firm Labyrinth will now lend its logistic expertise to BigChange, and Coventry-based automotive system designers Trace, will add its fleet, garage and workshop management solutions to the platform.
“These businesses are the first that BigChange has acquired since it was launched in 2013 and provide us with more fantastic people, world-class technology, amazing new customers and multi-million revenue boost.” said CEO Martin Port on the acquisition.
The rise of the mobile workforce, which is expected to account for almost 75 percent of the total workforce by 2020, has made Mobile Workforce Management (MWM) software critical – replacing slow paper-based systems with a streamlined digital alternative that can help maintain efficiency when managing employees working away from the company premises.
The gradual integration of new technologies like Internet of Things, semi-automated work vehicles, and AI scheduling into M2M software is expected to create further growth in the sector, which remains a particularly strong performer within enterprise software.
