News: QuroTech taps into touch screen phenomenon

An enterprising Rotherham couple have grown their business with help from the Rotherham Enterprise project into one of very few northern companies to be developing cutting edge web, mobile and multi-touch solutions through the use of the latest technologies.

With first class degrees in software engineering but no business experience in the commercial sector, Michelle Bluck and her partner Mark started up QuroTech at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre to work on innovative mobile, web and multi-touch applications.

Michelle said: "I've always loved the challenge of developing something new through software development. With the popularity of touch sensitive technology such as the iPhone, the use of touch screens has rocketed and we were eager to set up the business but needed a place to start up.

"Working from home was not ideal so we contacted the Rotherham Enterprise Project who got the ball rolling and provided us with free office space, giving us a professional environment and allowing us to spend on other important things we needed to get established - at a time when we weren't entirely sure if it would work out."

The company's first major showcase was at the Rotherham Show where their products were used to interactively demonstrate new and completed redevelopments around Rotherham.

Customers were also offered vouchers through an easy and interactive multi-touch navigation system, enabling them to print them off there and then.

QuroTech are now in talks with shopping centres to provide them with touch screens which will allow shoppers to access maps and vouchers. They are also in discussions with a local care home to develop software so that patients can use technology from the comfort of their own bed.

Michelle added: "We wouldn't have got as far as we have without help from the project, which also signposted us to the different courses available in Rotherham which we went on - including ones on marketing your own business and finances.

"It's been a huge learning curve and we've been lucky enough to do what we're passionate about and develop exciting new software when a lot of northern companies stick to old style development. But our interactive experience has proved impressive to clients who want something responsive with that little bit extra."

With funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Rotherham Enterprise project provides free self-employment support for local people. The project is being delivered by four partner organisations, one of them, Rotherham Youth Enterprise project (RYE), offers help for younger adults in the area, this is where Michelle and Mark found their advice.

Jackie Frost, of Rotherham Youth Enterprise said: "Mark and Michelle are proof that hard work and dedication can really pay off and we are thrilled that we could offer them support which has helped them on their journey to success.

"Their developments in the software world are great for the region, both in terms of encouraging local businesses to consider the technology options available on their doorstep and for putting the borough on the map at the forefront such innovative creativity."

QuroTech website
Rotherham Enterprise website

Images: QuroTech