...in its use of a new accountancy software package! What follows is probably not the most interestimg press release in the world but it does contain some interesting nuggets about Sage-escapee Hot Wheels...

Hot Wheels joins Yo Sushi, Heinz and Marks & Spencer’s…

Bournemouth-based Exchequer Software has retained Lewis PR of London ("PRWEEK’s Consultancy of the Year Finalist, 2001…PRWEEK’s Hi-Tech Agency to Watch, 2000/2001") to blitz business editors with info on its Enterprise accounting software.

The subject matter isn’t terribly stimulating (unless you fancy dumping Sage and are in the market for new book-keeping software) but the release is packed with info, quotes, notes for editors and even a word count. It has clearly been thoroughly researched by Lewis PR. In fact, it’s a text-book example of how to write a cracking press release. Even a nice pic was included.

PRESS RELEASE:

Exchequer ensures Hot Wheels is on fast track to success

~ accounting software overhaul supports 40% growth for cycle distributor ~

Hot Wheels International, a leading bicycle and skateboard distributor, has invested in Exchequer Software’s Enterprise v5.0 package, in order to keep pace with the company’s expansion.

The distributor, which counts Halfords Group amongst its customers, has experienced 40% growth this year following its further expansion into the mountain bike sector with GT bicycles. It found that its existing accounting software package, Sage Line 50, could no longer support its needs and chose Enterprise v5.0 on the strength of its reporting capabilities, and in particular, the package’s Paperless module.

The Paperless module allows invoices, purchase orders and statements to be processed in Enterprise and immediately sent out via email, saving vast amounts of time and money. This is extremely valuable when the accounts team has to deal with the company’s distribution office, where daily reporting and speed of response are crucial to fulfilling customer orders promptly.

Hot Wheels was also impressed by the range of features that Enterprise v5.0 offers, including its Windows XP look and feel, as ease of use was paramount to the team. Its drill-down capabilities ensure that the software follows a logical sequence and mimics the thought processes of an accountant.

Currently being used by the eight-strong accounts team, long-term plans for the package include rolling it out to the company’s field sales force, using Exchequer’s Mobile Desktop. This will enable them to access real-time stock and accounts information on the move, by accessing Enterprise over the Internet.

"Our recent expansion means that the accounting function is more important than ever, and Enterprise has proved to be a robust, stable and logical package – exactly what we needed," said Russell Merry, partner at Hot Wheels International. "Our accounts manager has worked with many different packages over the years, but Enterprise is the only one which thinks like an accountant. This might seem obvious, but it’s amazing how difficult some packages can make it for you to find what you’re looking for quickly. You never have that problem with Enterprise."

"As our business grows, we’re relying more and more on the time-saving benefits such as those offered by the Paperless module," he continued. "The bike industry is getting more tech-savvy all the time, so it was important that we invested in a package with a lot of scope for both our current and future needs. We’re looking to the long-term with Enterprise."

"We always keep the user in mind when designing our software," said Eduardo Loigorri, managing director at Exchequer Software. "Common sense, but it’s something that’s often overlooked and this can lead to clunky systems that are difficult to navigate. Reporting and administration are all essentials of running a company efficiently, but they can be time-consuming and tedious. Our aim is to make these necessary processes as easy and quick as possible, so that time can be freed up for other activities."

(487 words)

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Exchequer Software

Headquartered in Bournemouth, Exchequer has developed the Enterprise range of products, a fully integrated, 32-bit Windows accounting software product designed to maximise the productivity of a company’s entire accounting operation.

Enterprise is the first accounting system to take full advantage of cutting edge technologies like multi-threading, client/server, object-oriented design and eBIS-XML for which Enterprise was the first mid-range accounting package accredited. It has also been accredited against the full BASDA EMU Accreditation Standard, incorporating Multi-Currency & Triangulation and Euro Base Conversion.

Exchequer is the current holder of the Accountancy Age Award for Best Mid-Range Accounting Software, which it has won three years running. It is also the holder of BASDA’s (Business Application Software Developers’ Association) Best Mid-Range Accounting Package and the European E-Commerce Association 2000 Award for Most Advanced XML Application.

Over 9000 companies use Exchequer’s Enterprise Software, including GMTV, British Gymnastics, The Rosemary Conley Group, Organix Brands, One World Action, Yo Sushi!, GKN, HJ Heinz, Marks & Spencer Plc, Virgin Energy, National Express and Securicor (Guernsey & Jersey).

http://www.exchequer.com

About Hot Wheels International

Founded 20 years ago, Hot Wheels International is a distributor of the GT and Mongoose bicycle brand. Mongooses was recently voted the Number One brand by Ride BMX magazine for the last four years in the UK market.

The GT and Mongoose brands are both owned by Pacific Cycles, which named Hot Wheels International International Distributor of 2002 in May.

Hot Wheels International is due to expand into new, purpose-built offices in Poole, which will function as head office and as a distribution centre.

For enquiries, please contact Hot Wheels International:

Tel: +44 (0) 1202 424 945

ENDS

http://www.lewispr.com

In other news...

Majority of people want to shift funding from driving to improve walking, cycling, and public transport

A new report by Sustrans has found that the majority of people want to shift …