Shaw & Sons have been a publisher since 1750. One of their main products is a range of paper forms which are sold to solicitors and local councils. Shaws print virtually every form a council might need, and most forms for solicitors. In the latter case, the forms are often prescribed by bodies such as the Land Registry, the courts service or the Legal Services Commission (Legal Aid Board). It was vital to convert these forms to a computer based product.
John started advising Shaws in 1995. At the time, Shaws had only minimal I.T. skills. John prepared the case to start the project. Suitable software was located to convert the forms to electronic format. He assisted in staff recruiting and carried out the necessary training. The computer product was launched as 'Forms on Disk' in September 1995. John developed all the sales material and worked with the sales force to obtain orders. He visited clients with them and gave demonstrations.
He continued to oversee the growing team as it built up to six members. He set up support, administrative and quality systems. Later he developed custom software which Shaws now sell.
By 1999 sales had built to such a level that Shaws employed him as head of software products, reporting to the managing director. Forms on Disk is now in use in over 700 legal practices and 80 local councils. Turnover is around £800,000 per year.
He returned to consultancy in 2002, and continued to advise Shaws until 2004.
See also www.shaws.co.uk
See John's articles on creating a company and selling software packages