A hi-tech approach to business by an east Belfast central heating maintenance company is paying dividends with the announcement of its ambitious expansion plans supported by Northern Bank.

David Croft, Business Manager at Northern Bank's Belfast Finance Centre joined the Managing Director of Solv Group, Stephen Kane to announce that Solv is creating ten new skilled jobs and expanding into the Republic of Ireland having recently secured new contracts valued at £1m.

Solv Group, which provides central heating maintenance services to the public and local businesses, is set to create ten new skilled jobs and expand into the Republic of Ireland having recently secured new contracts valued at £1m.

The company says its growth in recent months is partly due to local weather conditions and heightened awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide, which have increased demand for central heating servicing and maintenance.

However, it also attributes its success to the use of cutting-edge technology.

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Solv Group have already successfully introduced an innovative system whereby customers can receive real time updates on the location of their engineer and to rate the service they receive using handheld technology from the comfort of their homes. Its integration of technology is also helping Solv to manage its cash flow more effectively online using Northern Bank's Business eBanking.

Managing Director of Solv Group, Stephen Kane said: "By incorporating innovative technology throughout our business we have been able to significantly enhance our customer service and continuously improve.

"But it's helping in other areas too. We can manage our cash flow more effectively by using Northern Bank's online banking service, Business eBanking.

"This is helping us to reduce our debtors' days by providing a quicker way to facilitate customer payments as well as allowing us to optimise funds for investment, reduce the interest we pay and maximise the interest we can earn. This is providing a solid foundation for us to expand our business."

Solv Group, which currently employs over 30 people, operates across three locations including a purpose built call centre and storage facility in East Belfast and offices in Enniskillen and Coleraine.

David Croft, Business Manager at Northern Bank's Belfast Finance Centre said: "Solv Group is a great example of an enterprising business that is effectively using technology to improve customer service and also to manage their business.

"As a result, Solv are successfully growing and expanding. By embracing online banking, the company is also better able to improve their cash flow.

"For example, by monitoring their cash flow online in real time they are saving time and money. As a business expanding into the Republic of Ireland we are able to facilitate different currency payments so that Solv Group don't lose out on currency fluctuations which is particularly important given recent exchange rate volatility," he said.

(BMcC/GK)