Datacenter Automation

Colchester, UK - 01 February 2010 - Access, the mid-market consulting, software and solutions provider, has acquired Canterbury-based Select Software, a provider of web-enabled HR solutions. The acquisition is part of Access's strategy to invest in, and expand, its software portfolio and services beyond the finance function, providing a complete suite of organisation-wide business solutions. This acquisition will bring customers clarity of information across the entire finance and HR functions, through an integrated system.

Alistair O'Reilly, founder and CEO for Access, explains: "An HR system is crucial for mid-market enterprises to manage the business, improve employee retention and maintain legal obligations. We're dedicated to adding real customer value by extending the reach of our software portfolio and services through this solid web-based HR offering. We're now able to provide a complete HR, payroll and online recruitment solution to our customers that includes everything from absence, timesheets and expenses to dashboard and headcount reporting."

Businesses need to ensure that they manage their HR function fully and correctly - and accurately record that process. Without proper procedures in place, businesses can easily be taken to task, but for the growing mid-market organisation the recording of information, effectively and efficiently, is much more difficult without the correct systems in place. The HR function within medium-sized organisations therefore becomes vital if processes are to run smoothly and businesses are to stand accountable.

Access' business software portfolio has a history of improving its customers finance function and departmental processes throughout the organisation, empowering employees, and putting the business in a position to grow. With Select Software's complete HR solution, developed in-house by dedicated R&D teams, the acquisition will further Access' ability to offer customers an integrated and smart business, financial and HR solution.

Both Select Software and Access have been at the forefront of creating many practical mid-market solutions including advanced web-based HR software and Accounting for Carbon Emissions respectively. The two companies also utilise the same Microsoft technologies and skill sets, with both organisations holding Microsoft Gold Partner status.

Paul Druckman, chairman for Access, comments: "The acquisition will allow us to leverage the joint Select and Access brands to the benefit of all our customers. Our aim is to provide solutions that meet the needs of the whole organisation, delivering full transparency and visibility of information across every department. Together with our combined consulting expertise, we're providing an even greater offering to our growing customer base, helping them take a joined-up approach to their business operations. By acquiring Select Software, we expect to accelerate its growth rate and offer a broader portfolio to all customers."

Customers currently being served by Select Software will see their existing close working relationships further strengthened and supported by Access, a company that has consistently increased its customer base since it was founded in 1991. The acquisition extends the services available, backed by the full support and resources of the business and accounting solutions provider.

The acquisition forms part of its business plan to surpass £30m by 2012. Select Software will become a division of Access UK, and will continue to operate out of its Canterbury office, under a new Access Select brand. To find out more watch this video from Access' chairman Paul Druckman on the Select Software acquisition.

For further details on Access visit http://www.theaccessgroup.com or contact us on 0845 345 3300. Alternatively, keep up-to-date by following Access on twitter, http://www.twitter.com/theaccessgroup

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Notes to Editors:

About Access
• Access is a consulting, software and solutions provider, serving the mid-market.
• The consulting services are backed by 65 accredited consultants, providing business software expertise. They operate nationally out of nine offices in the UK and Ireland.
• The software portfolio provides solutions to meet the needs of the whole organisation, helping to reduce complexity and increase efficiencies at every level. In addition to accounting and finance, Access also offers manufacturing software, professional services automation, and accounting for carbon emissions reporting. Other software solutions include distribution and warehousing, payroll, document management, service and contract management, CRM and sales automation and workflow solutions.

• Accreditations and memberships:
o Microsoft Gold Certified Partner
o Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
o Business Application Software Developers Association (BASDA)
o HM Revenue & Customs: Payroll Standards Scheme

• Awards 2008 and 2009:
o Accountancy Age Award 2008 and 2009 for the best 'Mid-tier Software Package'
o SIFT Media Software Satisfaction Award 2008, for the second year running, in the category of best 'Mid-Range Software'
o SIFT Media Software Satisfaction Awards 2009, Green Software Provider of the Year Award
o Construction Computing Awards 2009 'Construction Accounting Software of the Year' and shortlisted for 'Environmental Product of the Year'
o Manufacturer of the Year Awards 2009 'IT in Manufacturing' accolade won by customer, Rethal for use of the Access Supply Chain

For more information:
Danielle Cook/Robyn Bemment
Noiseworks
T: 01628 628080
E: access@noiseworks.com