History

1980 - Turnkey Computer Technology Limited is formed by Dr. Barry Wood who, excited by the potential offered by micro-computers, leaves his role at British Steel. His aim is to provide complete, bespoke computer solutions for all business needs.

One of the earliest computers used was the Intertec Superbrain – see picture – not exactly a “micro” computer and not the easiest machine to lug into sales demonstrations, but Barry was able to convince enough people of his capabilities to develop accounting systems and quickly established a credible computer business.

From the outset the company was designed to a one-stop-shop for the provision of PC hardware, networks, communications, software, support, training and consultancy. By building a small team of hard-working individuals, Turnkey was able to provide expertise in all of these areas and quickly built an enviable reputation for delivering state-of-the-art systems, on time and within budget.

1983 – With the addition of two more staff, Turnkey moved into their first proper offices sharing space with a firm of accountants, who happened to also be customers, in Glasgow city centre. Barry had also begun to explore the possibility of working in ‘vertical’ markets. One in particular proved more fruitful than others – Insolvency. A small number of Insolvency Practitioners showed interest in this development and what started as a trickle of interest turned into a flood. Later, some large and very well known firms would come looking – KPMG and Coopers & Lybrand to name but two.

Around this time, IBM had legitimised the PC marketplace and set some standards. Their PC’s were relatively expensive, but Amstrad entered the market with cheaper options – see picture. The combination of proper PC ‘standards’ and reasonable prices for PC’s led to a boom in business. Micros were now big business and computer companies who could deliver solutions were in demand - Turnkey’s business really took off. More staff were recruited and the customer base grew dramatically.

1993 - The business had outgrown its city centre base and, following a successful period of trading, was sufficiently confident to purchase and develop purpose built premises in East Kilbride. The development included a new engineering workshop, on-site training suite and comfortable office space for a growing and motivated team. The company now offered a range of tailored courses for both proprietary PC applications and Turnkey bespoke systems. IPS Training Courses

Turnkey’s Insolvency Practitioners System (IPS) had now become the UK’s market leading software solution for insolvency management. IPS is a unique system capable of satisfying the needs of the small independent practitioner right through to those of the large, multi-national firms. The 90’s saw the transition from a DOS based system into IPS for Windows (IPSfW). Meanwhile, IPS continues to be the solution of choice for over 5000 insolvency personnel in the UK and overseas. IPS-SQL was launched in 2006 in response to customer demand for a solution base on the Microsoft SQL database. IPS for SQL

1994 - The success of IPS was not however limited to the home market. Turnkey already had a user base overseas, with clients in Hong Kong and Malaysia. At this time Turnkey also appointed an agent in Australia, Core Technology PTY. Working together with UK staff, Core worked hard to establish a strong user base in Australia and Australasia. Core, based in Melbourne, continues to provide sales and support for IPS in these regions. Core has recently become a wholly owned subsidiary of Turnkey. Core Australia

1996 – Demand from customers for a Windows based accounting solution led Turnkey to Navision Software a/s. Navision had only recently established a presence in the UK, but Turnkey were sufficiently impressed by the product to be one of their first Certified Navision Solution Centres in the UK and the first in Scotland.

A youthful Tony Wood also joined the company as a Software Engineer at this time and quickly immersed himself in the new product. Navision enabled the company to continue doing what it was good at - meeting users’ precise business requirements and providing business benefit - by tailoring the ‘core’ Navision system.

Our expertise in Navision development has led to the implementation of Turnkey solutions in well over 100 companies managing accountancy, distribution, manufacturing, warehouse operations, CRM, eCommerce, EPOS, bar-coding and robotic handling systems (the list goes on). Case Studies

2002 - Navision Software is purchased by Microsoft and is now a key product for Microsoft’s Business Solutions Division.

Tony’s career progression appeared to run in parallel as this is also the year in which he assumed the role of Managing Director and founder, Barry Wood became the Company Chairman.

The company also made serious moves into web development work at this stage. In response to customer demands that Turnkey meet all of their business requirements, Turnkey offered web site design, integration to Navision and hosting and have a number of significant and successful projects to their name.

2005 - The company’s proficiency in the development of Navision based systems and implementation of complex multi-site networks was acknowledged this year when Turnkey achieved Microsoft Certified Gold Partner status. Our recognised Gold competencies are in ‘Microsoft Business Solutions’ and ‘Networking Infrastructure Solutions’.