Synchronica, an international email-to-mobile phone technology business with offices in Kent, has rung up a 61 per cent sales boost.
The company, based in Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbrdge Wells, raised revenue to £3.7m in 2008, up from £2.3m the previous year. It also cut costs by nearly 19 per cent to £2.6m (£3.2m).
Its strategy of focusing on mobile email in emerging markets such as China, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America, is paying off with contracts, with 13 new customers in 12 countries. Experts predict that the next billion mobile phone subscribers will come from these markets where PC and fixed-line penetration is low.
It also signed a global reseller deal with Nokia Siemens Networks, the world’s second largest Network Equipment Provider.
During the year, Synchronica bought AxisMobile for £2.6m as part of a £10m investment programme that aims to make the firm a global leader in mass market mobile email.
The acquisition created new jobs in Tunbridge Wells, and more could follow. A spokeswomann said the business was always looking for local talent, especially people with a strong background in telecoms. "Synchronica believes they are good alternative to the commute into the City," she said.
Synchronica underlined its growth plans by raising £5.1m to fund further acquisitions and expand sales and marketing actitivities.
Chief executive officer Carsten Brinkschulte said: "Synchronica has shown substantial progress in 2008. This is due to our continual focus on sales and marketing, our investment in product development, and the successful acquisition and integration of competitor AxisMobile. The acquisition broadened the Company’s product offering allowing us to offer mobile email to every mobile phone on the planet."
He added that the business had made a strong start to 2009 with revenues for the first quarter already higher than the first half of last year.
Synchronica has other offices in Germany, Hong Kong, Dubai and the United States.