Smart IT

Background

Founded in 2010 by Barry Bullen, Smart IT is a Kirkham-based technology business specialising in the implementation and support of Odoo ERP software — one of the world’s fastest-growing business management platforms, used by over 13 million businesses globally.

Over 15 years, Barry has built Smart IT into one of the UK’s most respected Odoo partners. The business holds Gold Partner status — the highest accreditation available in the UK — and supports more than 120 clients across a broad range of sectors, from household names like Ringtons and Muji to public sector bodies including NHS Digital, and international organisations operating across multiple continents.

The challenge

Demand for Odoo ERP in the UK has accelerated sharply over the past 18 months, bringing with it a pipeline of larger and more complex opportunities than Smart IT had previously encountered. To capitalise on that momentum, the business needed to grow its team — quickly.

Smart IT had already invested significantly in its own infrastructure, building a dedicated support division, expanding its product offering, and launching an in-house training academy to develop new talent. What it needed was the funding to bring that next wave of people in.

The investment

River Capital provided a £300,000 growth loan through the North West Business Growth Loan Fund, backed by the Growth Guarantee Scheme. The funding is enabling Smart IT to recruit and train up to 10 new full-time roles in Lancashire, supporting delivery against a secured order book exceeding seven figures.

The result

Smart IT enters its next phase of growth with the team and resource to match its ambitions — delivering on a strong order book while continuing to build its reputation as one of the UK’s leading Odoo specialists.