Firm aims to double its turnover to £2m

A computer networks company started in Leicester by two brothers six years ago is on target to double its turnover to £2 million this year.

Lan Systems, which recently moved to larger new premises, today employs 17 people and recently beat Microsoft and Compaq to secure substantial new business.

Brothers Wayne and Phil Taylor worked for networks firms locally, but in 1994 decided to set up their own business as a sideline. And it was the faith shown in their enterprise by local business contacts which enabled Lan Systems to get off the ground.

Phil said: "We wouldn't have had the money to go it alone had it not been for a customer giving us £15,000 up front to do a job for them.

"The firm, Arden Direct Marketing in Barwell, was keen for us to undertake a project and fortunately they trusted us enough to give us a cheque in advance."

Since that time, the firm has managed to double its turnover year on year, with projected turnover for 2000 put at around the £2 million mark.

Lan Systems, which initially operated from a small office opposite Victoria Park has progressively moved nearer the city centre.

After spells at premises in London Road and De Montfort Street, it moved last month into spacious offices in Crescent House, Regent Road. And it has also seen great expansion in the range of services it provides. Sales director Mike Hoyland added: "There have been a number of milestones along the way.

"In 1996, the company was instrumental in setting up local internet services provider Webleicester. A year later it formed a strategic alliance with office equipment supplier Churchills and this year was appointed Canon's business partner for Leicester." We are now able to offer customers a complete office solutions package and looking to expand into telecommunications.

Technical expertise, a flexible approach and a willingness to put in long hours are among the key reason's for Lan Systems' success, believes Phil. He added: "We may be smaller than some of our competitors, but we always endeavour to meet customers' needs. "For example, when a call centre customer moved premises it couldn't afford much downtime, so we worked late into the night to install cabling."

In the next few weeks Lan Systems is also to start offering computer training to companies.