We were impressed when we met C24 earlier this month at our most recent Little British Battlers event. The firm has all the characteristics we like: it’s growing, it’s profitable and it’s doing something interesting.
C24 has three revenue streams: hosted managed services, business intelligence and systems integration. Hosting from two tier IV data centres account for 60% of its revenues, and customers include Origin Enterprises, Methodist Homes, Agilysys and Shoe Zone. In 2010, C24 started its move into BI by partnering with a small, specialist software house with its own BI tool. The tool enables C24, typically via channel partners, to offer data analytics and data visualisation to customers such as American football stadia who wish to analyse spectator buying patterns during games (on fast-food and merchandise, for example).
With revenue marching upwards towards £6m, and a healthy profit and cash position, C24 looks to be in good financial shape. We often hear that buyers choose to steer clear of smaller providers because of their unstable and/or weak finances. However, C24’s strong cash position has enabled it to not only win large clients but also beat larger suppliers. And that’s exactly what we like to see our LBBs achieving!