Software experts who have the Wright stuff

The Wright family, who hail from Dunstable, started Io Systems, in West Street, in 1979.

But Io soon outgrew West Street and merged in 1999 with Cleco. The Cleco Group subsequently became a part of FKI Logistex Limited.

Invar Systems, which took its place from 2004, specialises in software used to control the flow of goods going into and leaving warehouses and distribution centres.

The company, which is based at Cranfield Technology Park, has a presence in the USA and Invar’s overseas presence earned it the title international business of the year, sponsored by HSBC, in the Bedfordshire and Luton Rising Stars Business Excellence Awards last year.

To top off the night, they collected the award for small/medium sized business, a category sponsored by solicitors Pictons.

Invar’s flagship software is called IWS – Integrated Warehouse System – and is used by businesses that need to control all aspects of stock control.

Invar’s MD and former Manshead School pupil, Tim Wright, said: “IWS handles all the functions in one piece of software, so companies don’t need to buy separate solutions.”

The company’s customers include massive distribution operations requiring thousands of items to be despatched.

But Mr Wright said they are currently developing software that utilises the internet as a host for services – the so-called cloud. This, he believes, has the potential to provide solutions for much smaller firms – and a bigger market.

“Customers will be able to rent the service for a monthly fee, rather than have to invest in capital,” Mr Wright said. “We will be able to provide smaller customers with the same level of service as we can provide to our bigger clients.”

Mr Wright aims to have a product ready to market before the end of the year.

> To enter Rising Stars 2012, visit www2.lutontoday.co.uk/risingstars2011 and look at the categories section.

> To sponsor the awards, contact Premier Newspapers’ group events and exhibitions manager Rebecca McCreath by phoning 01908 651263 or email her at [email protected]