25 May 2012

Automation boosts @UK

16/02/2011 Robert Tyerman

Online procurement specialist @UK (ATUK) reports a surge in growth for its SpendInsight service, helped by introducing artificial intelligence. The Reading-based company, which seeks to save money for public and private sector bodies through more efficient procurement, says its SpendInsight software analysed £62 billion of procurement spending for public bodies last year, up from £15.9 billion in 2009.

Executive chairman Ronald Duncan argues this growth reflects the impact of fully automating the SpendInsight service, using artificial intelligence and providing the service via the Cloud. According to the company, SpendInsight extracts and analyses an organisation's procurement spending down to each individual item and can typically identify savings through spotting incorrect pricing and modest price improvements averaging of 2.5 per cent on the spending the organisation controls and 10 per cent in the spending it does not control.

Duncan singles out the National Health Service, where the National Audit Office has identified £500 million of potential savings as a potentially fertile field for @UK. He claims NHS organisations 'can realise these savings through the combination of SpendInsight and the @UK e-commerce marketplace, which enables organisations to purchase items at the correct prices.'

Delays in turning inquiries into orders have so far this year somewhat cramped progress for AIM-quoted @UK, which cut interim losses 23 per cent to £350,000 on reduced turnover of £1.2 million. But SpendInsight's progress augurs well for the future.

Highlighted by growth Company Investor at a depressed 4.88p in October, @UK's shares now trade at 19.25p, valuing the company at £13.5 million. Hold on for now.

Tags: National Audit Office, National Health Service, SpendInsight

Sector: Software & Computer Services

Companies: @UK

Achieve impressive returns

Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena

Click here

Achieve impressive returns on the go

Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena. Sign up NOW!

Institutional Investors in AIM 2011 - New Report

This unique study analyses the shareholdings of companies listed on AIM, extracting trends including rankings of the value and number of their investments.
Please click here to order your copy of the report or call 0207 250 7056.

Coverage of AIM, techMARK and PLUS Markets

Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.

If you're interested in business tax updates visit our specialist tax guide website.

Latest small-cap and growth company news

Daily coverage of small-cap company stocks on London's junior markets AIM and PLUS, breaking news, stock research and latest share price information for investors. Full sector coverage with all the latest news on smaller listed companies, updated several times a day with financial reports, trading statements and links to further web resources.

Popular News

Latest News

Gulf starts at Sheikh Adi-2 25/05/2012

Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.

Tags: Doing business in Iraq, Drilling on AIM, Oil on AIM

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Gulf Keystone Petroleum

Shell considers Cove 24/05/2012

Oil giant Shell is extending its offer period for Mozambique-focused Cove Energy (COV) after having its bid trumped by Thai government-owned PTT Exploration & Production.

Tags: Bid trumped, Doing business in Mozambique, Oil giants on AIM, Takeovers and bids

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Royal Dutch Shell 'A' , Cove Energy

Roxi reaches 1,360 metres 23/05/2012

Kazakhstan-focused Roxi Petroleum (RXP) has declared that its NK7 well in the Galaz aea has drilled to a depth of 1,360 metres.

Tags: AIM ventures, Doing business in Kazakhstan, Oil on AIM

Cluff Natural Resources joins AIM 22/05/2012

Steered by sector veteran Algy Cluff, North-Sea focused cash shell Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has joined AIM.

Tags: Entrepreneurs on AIM, Gold mining, Oil and gas on AIM

Red Emperor exercises Shabeel 21/05/2012

Somalia-focused oil explorer Red Emperor Resources (RMP) has exercised its option to take part in the drilling of the Shabeel North well.

Tags: Business in the Puntland, Doing business in Somalia, Drilling for oil & gas, Oil on AIM

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Red Emperor Resources

Heritage happy in Iraq 18/05/2012

Oil concern Heritage Oil (HOIL) has reported its Miran West-3 well in Iraq could deliver 1,000 barrels per day of condensate.

Tags: Doing business in Iraq, Oil on the full list, Oil production, Target depth

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Heritage Oil

More News

Sectors