Businessmen James Eades and Andrew Harwood have combined their skills to set up an IT strategy company after meeting through a networking club run in Bath.
The pair met two years ago at NRG Business Networks, which stages monthly lunch meetings, and begun sharing business ideas.
James, who runs Systemagic, the IT support specialists based at Monkton Combe and Trowbridge, and Andrew, who heads management consultancy Ideas to Solutions (I2S) in Trowbridge, spotted a gap in the market and a year ago launched Metis Technology, a company that ensures IT strategy matches business growth plans.
The business is part of I2S and based in its Trowbridge office.
James, who has been a member of NRG for four years, said: “Networking has been beneficial all round, but to meet a new business partner has been an unexpected bonus.
“While providing IT support to businesses, I noticed some had invested in expensive systems which didn’t actually suit their needs.
“I realised this gap between business plans and IT could be time consuming, costly and also counter-productive to a company.
“With Andrew’s expertise in business consultancy and my IT background, we were an ideal match.”
Metis, named after the Greek God of wisdom, soon picked up clients and has made a profit in its first year.
Andrew added: “We were already offering a range of business support, from web design to financial guidance, so an IT strategy was a natural extension.
“We have good team spirit and are excited about Metis Techonology’s potential.
“I learnt a long time ago that business is all about building relationships – not selling.
“NRG is an ideal environment to build new relationships and develop existing ones with likeminded people that I know, like and trust.”
NRG holds its monthly lunches at Combe Grove Manor Hotel, Brassknocker Hill, on the second Thursday of the month.
The event includes expert speakers, mastermind business sessions to discuss any issues, networking and lunch. Many members are business owners or senior partners and are the decision makers or influencers in a company.
Members come from a range of professions, including financial, legal and creative. They tend to be from small businesses, with five to ten employees. Some individuals work as consultants and senior members of larger organisations.
It stages similar events at Armada House and Berwick Lodge hotel in Bristol on the first Friday of the month.
Pictured, from left: Andrew Harwood and James Eades
