Future looks bright for Futrix
Wellington is one of the best places in the world to run an ICT business according to Clare Howden, former CEO of Futrix. “When we first moved into our Wellington offices it was like coming to IT-ville,” says Clare who relocated the business from London in 2001.
Wellington is one of the best places in the world to run an ICT business according to Clare Howden, former CEO of Futrix.
“When we first moved into our Wellington offices it was like coming to IT-ville,” says Clare who relocated the business from London in 2001.
“Wellington’s always been a well-serviced city and is home to agencies such as NZTE, Grow Wellington and others who can connect you with opportunities for export.
“There is a great support network for ICT, as well as for business generally. I’ve found people foster business relationships better in Wellington than they did in London – Kiwis tend to look after each other.
Futrix develops business intelligence software that helps organisations bring together masses of disparate data for analysis, explains Clare. It is used in a range of industries but particularly in the US healthcare market that makes up two-thirds of the business.
The push into the healthcare market was a change she spearheaded as CEO, making the right connections into the challenging US export market.
The business became extremely successful: it made the Deloitte Fast 50 in 2012 as the 20th fastest growing company in New Zealand (the third time it has made the list) and had also been ranked in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific.
“What is offered is very simple, intuitive software. It gives you an incredibly broad overview of your data because it’s far more flexible than other systems,” she says.
Futrix now employs over 20 staff, 11 in Wellington and the rest in the United States and Australia.
Clare was familiar with Wellington having moved here from the UK with her family when she was a teenager. Following university she headed to London where she had roles in the film industry – including her first business catering to film sets – before she started a recruitment company, which she grew successfully for nine years.
“My recruitment business gave me skills in bringing the right people together,” says Clare, “and that’s what I tried to continue at Futrix.”
“I love the lifestyle in Wellington. I was kayaking and rock climbing with my son the other weekend and it’s just a much better place for kids to grow up.
“And as a foodie, I’m a big fan of the city’s restaurant scene and the Wellington on a Plate food festival. It’s a fantastic place to live and do business, and all within walking distance!”