Preston agency Blue Wren announces job creation and renewed software focus

A digital agency in Preston has embarked on a plan to grow its software development offer.

After receiving support from Boost, Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, Blue Wren has taken on one new member of staff and plans to create a second position by the end of the financial year.

The Winckley Square-based company will now focus on building software applications such as sales tracking and CRM programs for clients.

Blue Wren, which employs a team of 12 full-time staff, received support through Boost’s Growth Mentoring programme.

Michael Lough, the company’s managing director, said: “My approach to business is to create positive change and part of that view means trying to always make the most of opportunities available.

“We had loads of ideas but ideas are easy – we needed to test those ideas and gain realistic feedback and that’s what Boost gave us the opportunity to do.”

He continued: “Our mentor’s background was in our industry, so they challenged us and allowed us to test our ideas. The process confirmed that we were right to progress with software development as a service.

“We were able to clearly identify that technically we are well placed to add value to a client’s business and make a difference and create positive change.”

The mentoring support, Michael explained, involved four one-to-one meetings that led to the creation of a list of actions to unlock growth.

He added: “We found it very valuable and have already seen a positive outcome and in the short term the support was also the catalyst for us employing another software developer.”

Boost’s Growth Mentoring programme is delivered by business support firms Community & Business Partners and Orvia.

Community & Business Partners operations manager Jaydee Davis commented: “Michael and the team at Blue Wren had many ideas and they needed expert help on which to progress and which to steer away from – as a result they’ve been able to make positive changes and grow their business in terms of offering and headcount.”

Boost is led by the Lancashire LEP and Lancashire County Council.

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