A Derby technical publications company has received a £37,500 grant from Derby Enterprise Growth Fund to support the development of its innovative software for engineering companies worldwide.
DT Publications has embarked on a £175,000 investment programme to develop an enhanced .Net version of its Druid II™ software application called “druid.net™” which will give it the capacity to increase its customer base and create five new sales and technical jobs within the organisation.
DT Publications is one of the latest companies to be helped in their expansion and development plans by the £20 million Derby Enterprise Growth Fund (DEGF).
DEGF is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund and run by Derby City Council. It aims to support the growth and job creation at businesses in Derby and the travel to work area through a mix of loans and grants.
The new browser based system druid.net™ has been developed with the support of DT Publications’ major customer Siemens Rail and in partnership with Derby-based software developers Derventio.
Druid.net™ enables service, operational and maintenance information developed by engineering and manufacturers in the aerospace, defence, rail and utilities markets to be available for users electronically with 24/7 access from portable devices such as smartphones. Allowing secure encrypted access to data on a global level.
DT Publications are based in Uttoxeter New Road and currently employ 11 people. Managing Director Dean Taylor explained that the DEGF support has enabled the development of druid.net™ to be fast tracked with orders already secured ahead of the official launch in July of this year.
“The new druid.net™ software moves the application to the next level – providing technicians and engineers who are working with equipment and machinery faster means to securely access encrypted data to the latest issue of the manufacturers maintenance information.
“Support from DEGF has enabled us to develop druid.net™ to its full potential so that it is appropriate for a wide range of industries from aerospace to rail.
“Maintaining an active market presence with such a product as druid.net™ is key to the business growth plans. This will open up worldwide markets for DT Publications and enable us to grow with new job opportunities in sales and software development.”
Derby City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Regeneration Cllr Martin Rawson chairs the DEGF panel of industry and financial experts who consider applications.
He added: “Derby is home to some of the world’s leading engineering and manufacturing names – supported by an extensive supply chain. High tech solutions such as these are vital for these regional employers and indeed companies worldwide to increase their competitive edge.
“The Derby Enterprise Growth Fund is therefore an important tool to support companies in their own growth. The innovative solutions that they provide will then have a positive impact on their engineering and manufacturing customers who in turn can thrive and expand their workforce.”
Applications continue to be welcomed by Derby City Council. To find out more visit: www.derby.gov.uk/degf. Alternatively call 01332 641628 or email degf@derby.gov.uk
