The Access Group

The Access Group is a software consultancy and developer, selling primarily to UK mid-market businesses with 19 offices across the UK and France The organisation was founded in 1991 with its current structure formed in June 2009 following the absorption of five companies into a single operation. Since 2011, Access has been mostly owned by Private Equity companies, first Lyceum Capital and from 2014 TA Associates.
History
1991-1995: Early development
This period saw founding company Access Accounting focus on building its business and accounting software. Early products included entry-level accounting systems such as Access Horizons and Access Foundations.
1996 - 2007
In 1996, Access Accounting developed Access Dimensions. This was joined by middleware application Transaction Broker (1998) to facilitate integration at mid-market level. Integration with Microsoft Office (2002) and Outlook Today (2005) saw the company’s initial entry into Business Intelligence software.
Other software releases include integrated CRM, Dimensions Manufacturing/BoM (Bill of Materials) and Access Analytics ‘data cube’ technology (2006), followed by a reverse change VAT upgrade in 2007 to combat carousel fraud.
2008 - 2011
In 2008, Access Accounting released Accounting for Carbon Emissions (ACE) to help businesses calculate and understand the amount of CO2 they produce.
In 2009, the company released its web-based solution FocalPoint.
The company re-branded in June 2009, absorbing Access Accounting and its four subsidiaries to become Access Group. Recent additions include Stock Forecasting functionality (2009) and a Dashboard business intelligence product (2010). The company added HR to its portfolio in 2010 via the acquisition of Canterbury-based Select Software. The company was rebranded Access Select.
In 2011, the group launched its web services API Application Programming Interface, allowing its financial software to be integrated with third-party, on-premises software. In the same year, Access Mobile was released, making functionality such as timesheets and expenses available on the iPhone and BlackBerry.
2011 - Present
In March 2011, there was an MBO of Access led by its existing directors and private equity firm Lyceum Capital.
Since then Access has grown both through continued double-digit organic growth and acquisition. It has acquired the following companies/technologies:
* DeltaWMS - warehouse management software
* Prelytis - SaaS-based business intelligence software
* thankQ - fundraising and CRM software for the not-for-profit sector
* Sazneo -SaaS-based communication technology
* TeamSeer - SaaS-based absence management solution
* PeoplePlanner - SaaS-based workforce management software
* Rapidata - A direct debit bureau with a focus on the not-for-profit sector
Products
*Access Dimensions is a modular accounting and financial management suite including financials, job costing, stock control, document management, reporting and payroll.
*Access Financials is a modern SaaS accounting and financial management suite including core finance, project ledger, job costing, document management, reporting and payroll delivered through Access Workspace
*FocalPoint is a web-served portal which integrates with Dimensions-format databases, for viewing & approval, and other resources including purchase orders, invoices, expenses, timesheets and other items online.
*SelectPay is a HM Revenue and Customs-approved payroll.
*SelectHR is a .NET based solution including functionality such as recruitment, training, self-service and payroll integration.
*Access SupplyChain is an ERP solution, with functionality for manufacturing, distribution and warehousing organisations.
*Access Service Manager offers service management functions such as call centre management, job scheduling, PPM, contract management and meter billing.
*Access Mobile extends functionality offered by Access FocalPoint such as expenses management and timesheets to mobile devices.
*Access Dashboard offers a high-level view of the business, presenting key performance indicators (KPIs) through graphical charts and graphs.
*Access Horizons and Access Foundations are entry-level accounting systems providing core financial functionality and a range of commercial tools for small to mid-sized businesses.
* Access CRM is a customer relationship management tool with activity tracking, pipeline management and marketing tools delivered through Access Workspace
* Access Alto Cloud Hosting is provided as a VMware and OpenStack managed cloud hosting solution with optional Disaster Recovery as a Service and Backup as a Service solutions.
* Access TeamSeer is provided as a web-based workforce management system for automated staff absence approvals, tracking absenteeism and managing teams.
Accreditations
Access Group is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and is a member of the Business Application Software Developers Association (BASDA). Individual Access solutions are accredited by industry authorities, including HM Revenue and Customs and the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales).

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