COMPANY BACKGROUND History

Transcription

1 COMPANY PROFILE

2 CO NT EN TS Company Background... History... Vision and Mission... Legal Setup... Directors Profile Simon Lee... Director Profile Martha Lee... Company Structure... Departments... Administration and Customer Care... Consultancy... Software Development... Graphic Design... Systems & Methodology... Skill Set... Equal Opportunities Employer... Strategic Partnerships... Office Facilities... Facilities... Office Area... Reception Area... Boardroom... Corporate Social Responsibility... 1

3 COMPANY BACKGROUND History Farwell Consultants Limited was formed in late 2010 and commenced formal operation on 1st January Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the company is located at the centre of the regional ICT explosion. Since late 2010 Kenya has seen unprecedented growth in ICT and data services. The CCK reports indicate that since early 2011 the number of internet users has more than doubled from around 4.5M subscriptions to almost 9.5M subscriptions and month on month growth has no overtaken traditional voice services.the ITU estimate that almost 30% of all Kenyan s now have access to data services either via their mobile phone, personal computer or through cyber cafes and other shared data access services. Combine these facts with a highly tech savvy workforce, the emergence of incubation centres such as the ihub and the various hackathons and software competitions being organized by companies such as Safaricom and you have a potent blend that has produced solutions such as Ushahidi and PesaPal. The final component that motivated the formation of Farwell Consultants Limited was the well-documented successes of BPO in areas such as call centres clearly indicated international confidence in the skills and quality of workmanship available in Kenya. The only thing that was missing was a globally recognized, competent, high quality software organsiation capable of taking on the established power hours of outsourcing India. This then was and is the driving force behind Farwell Consultants Limited. Vision and Mission To become the leading software development and ICT consultancy company in East Africa and to be a recognized provider of high quality software solutions to the domestic and international market. Legal Setup Farwell Consultants Limited is a full limited liability company set up under the governing laws of the Republic of Kenya. We are fully compliant to the Kenyan taxation laws and are PIN registered with the Kenya Revenue Authority. 2

4 DIRECTORS PROFILE Simon Lee Simon Lee is a skilled technical manager and an experienced market / technical analyst. He has over 15 years experience in the telecommunications sector in diverse operational and manger roles, ranging from software development, systems integration, network design, project management to senior technical management. His operational experience includes six years at Safaricom (Kenya s largest telecoms operator), Intervoice (Dubai) and Marconi (UK). For the past two years Simon has been applying his operational market experience to analytical work (both market and technical), as well as managing a software development and management company. Simon was recently involved in a long-term Airtel Africa technical project for 18 months as a technical analyst. Simon holds a number of formal technical, computing and engineering qualifications. Martha Lee Martha Lee is the commercial director of Farwell Consultants Limited. She has a Bachelors of Commerce Degree from Daystar University, specializing in Marketing and PR. Over the years, she has accumulated a wealth of experience in the field of corporate training, and marketing. Her other qualifications include team building facilitation and training. 3

5 COMPANY STRUCTURE Departments Within Farwell Consultants there are four distinct departments; Administration and Customer Care Administration and Customer Care deals with the day to day administrative functions of the company such as finance, marketing, sales, and post sale customer and account management. We believe that having dedicated customer care manned by competent and informed staff that understands the needs of the client is a key market differentiator. Consultancy The Consultancy department provides highly skilled research and technical consultancy services to large-scale telecommunications and data companies. We have worked with some of the continents leading mobile operators, ISP s and telecommunications vendors providing technical project management, market analysis, technical due diligence and sector research. Software Development The Software Development department is Farwell Consultants fastest growing team. We develop high quality web based software solutions for clients that are seeking to expand their business and maximize on the global potential the web provides. We have developed basic websites, ecommerce websites, information and training portals for a wide range of high profile clients in the East African region. As part of the drive to offer differentiated service we also provide high quality post implementation support to our clients providing a wide range of support services to ensure their business can focus on generating more revenue through a reliable online platform. Graphic Design Our Graphic Design department ensures that our websites are unique, fresh and 100% dedicated to the clients needs and demands. We steer away from generic templates preferring to develop with the client a look and feel that reflects their company s vision and aspirations. We are also able to compliment their online look and feel with print media such as business cards and other corporate branding activities. 4

6 Systems & Methodology Farwell Consultants Limited is dedicated to the promotion of the cloud as a principal solution to SME business operations. All our day-to-day administration is conducted in the cloud and we utilize numerous global platforms to ensure our operations are slick, cost effective and dynamic. As a highly skilled tech focused company we are often called upon to work remotely at client sites and overseas and as such the power of the cloud enables us to manage our entire company effectively as if we were located at our head office. We follow a strict in house developed software development process that ensures each step from specification through to post implementation training is managed effectively to minimize scope creep and ensure meaningful client interaction. We are avid users of open source solutions though always with an eye on the end product quality. Where commercial solutions are deemed to offer superior quality and performance we purchase legitimate licenses and ensure these licenses are maintained and updated. Skill Set All our staff has at least bachelor s degrees in their specific areas of focus. Our recruitment policy has developed with time and continues to develop as we seek to ensure all new staff is effective in the shortest time possible. We have employed the services of a high level HR consultant to ensure that our HR policies are in order. These policies are reviewed periodically and updated where appropriate. Farwell Consultants Limited endeavors to create a pleasant work environment recognizing the needs of our staff whilst maintaining effective and high quality output. Equal Opportunities Employer Farwell Consultants Limited is an equal opportunities employer. We recruit based on best fit for the job and do not consider race, gender, religious or political affiliation. We do not, however, tolerate any conduct deemed to be unprofessional and expect our staff to act professionally and ethically at all times to our clients, suppliers and partners. 5

7 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Strategic Partnerships Farwell Consultants Limited prides itself on being 100% independent. We have however partnered with the South African ICT research house Africa Analysis to provide complimentary consultancy services across Africa. Like Farwell, Africa Analysis have sought to remain independent recognizing the need to do so when dealing with sensitive and strategic information. Office Facilities In Q Farwell Consultants Limited moved to a brand new office complex in Hardy, a leafy suburb on the outskirts of Nairobi. Our office address is 1D, Hardy Office Park, Koitobos Road, Hardy Estate, Nairobi. 6

8 Facilities The office has fully maintained power courtesy of a central standby generator. Internet service can be procured from one of two service providers via fiber optic. Farwell currently leases a 10Mbps connection from JTL though Wananchi Zuku is also available in the building. The office has ample secure parking for staff and visitors. Security is provided 24x7x365 and there is a building alarm solution installed. The office has shared washroom and kitchenette facilities. The office is strategically located close to the Langata Road (currently under expansion) and therefore provides easy access to Mombasa Road, Upper Hill, CBD and Westlands as well as local malls in Karen and Galleria (Bomas). A number of boutique high and mid range hotels and guesthouses serves the area. OFFICE AREA RECEPTION AREA BOARDROOM 7

9 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Farwell Consultants Limited strongly believes in giving back to the community and we have put this belief at the core of our operation. The company directors sit on the Hardy Residents Association board representing both business and residential interests in the Hardy area. The core focus of the association is security, environment and development, all core beliefs that Farwell Consultants Limited resonates with. We encourage our staff to actively work on pro bono projects in their spare time and we are currently working with Mahali Pa Watoto a local school for under privileged children in the Karen/Dagoretti area of Nairobi. In addition, we developed and maintain the Kenya Cycling website as well as developing a race/time trial timing solution that is currently being used at many of the national events. 8

10 CO NT AC TS FARWELL CONSULTANTS LIMITED 1st Floor, Hardy Office Park, Office 1D, Koitobos Road, Hardy Estate Nairobi, Kenya , Karen Farwell Consultants Limited