The following letter was sent to Acumen customers on 13 February 2009 following the acquisition of Kelworth Ltd. I’ve copied it here for reference.
13th February 2009
On Monday, 9 February 2009, Web Applications UK (www.webapplicationsuk.com) completed the acquisition of the good will and assets of Kelworth Ltd, including the Accoman and Accowin products, and the existing customer base and staff. Gavin Norman, previously Managing Director of Kelworth Ltd, joined Web Applications as Sales Manager, and the remaining employees formed the Acumen Division of Web Applications UK Ltd. All aged debts are now payable to Web Application UK Ltd, as are all licenses and maintenance contracts.
Dear Customer,
Many of you will have been aware that Kelworth has been struggling, in the current economic climate, to attain the resources necessary to fulfil its commitments and push the Accowin product forward. I first met Gavin, and Kelworth, several years ago and we discussed the possibility of working together for the benefit of both our companies. Web Applications UK is a systems supplier to some of the UKs largest travel companies, including companies such as Holidaybreak, Parkdean and Hoseasons.
Many of our clients act as agents for a good number of Kelworth’s customers, and the opportunity to reduce the cost of sale for both sets of clients (by providing efficient, interoperable solutions) has been something we’ve long considered. One of the biggest strengths of our current systems are their ability to interact effectively with the latest web technologies, such solutions have been a key driver in changing the business models of our clients. Richard Carrick, Chief Executive of Hoseasons recently said, “That’s why we’re glad we partnered with Web Applications UK Ltd back in 2005. A technology partner is more than just a systems provider they’re a critical part of the way you shape your strategy. Choosing the wrong partner limits your ability to flex to meet the changing market conditions. Web Applications UK deliver the systems that allow us to achieve sustainable growth and the flexibility to meet challenges head on.”
“Their solutions have cut costs in our call centres and operations, by being easy to use and train, but most importantly they have opened up our low cost web channels, which have driven booking volume through the roof. With margins constantly under pressure, it’s nice to work with a partner that is driving cost savings.”
Web Applications UK started in 2000 providing systems for small travel companies, often with one or two users. Over time we’ve grown into the company we are now, but we still have those small clients (some of whom aren’t so small anymore) who are more than satisfied with the quality and service they are getting. We treat all clients the same, no matter what size they are, after all, we all start somewhere and one of you may well be the next Travel giant!
We know there are some serious problems to resolve, but we’re no strangers to hard work, and we’re already planning a bright future for your systems. With that in mind, we are desperate to hear from you personally and to give everyone an opportunity to help us shape the future of the Accowin system. To facilitate that, and to usher in a new era of communication, we will be launching a new website at www.webapplicationsuk.com in the next month which will allow you to interact with us, and each other directly. Most importantly though, we really want you to come and be a part of our User Group Seminar on Monday 30th March at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. Bring as many of your staff as you want, or send somebody to represent you, but please do come and be a part of building the future of the Acumen Division. To register your attendance, please send names, positions, and contact details to info@webapplicationsuk.com, there is no cost in attending and we can help you arrange your travel itinerary and accommodation (if necessary).
Richard continues, “One of the reasons we choose Web Applications UK is their unique commitment to communication. We always attend their User Group Seminars, which not only provide an excellent insight into the latest advances and technologies; they prove an invaluable networking opportunity. The fact they are willing to engage so directly with their customer base underlines their commitment to service, which continues throughout the year. The acquisition of Kelworth ushers in an exciting time for its customers, who can finally look forward to seeing the kind of forward momentum they have long clamoured for. Web Applications have the experience to provide the kind of systems that can allow customers to meet the rising demand for domestic tourism in 2009.”
Welcome to the Web Applications UK family, you’re now part of a vibrant and growing community and we look forward to meeting you at the end of March.
Yours,
Craig Dean
Chief Executive
Web Applications UK Ltd