Nine Software

Introduction

Fifteen years on from its launch, Nine Software has grown from a Newcastle startup into a trusted technology partner for organisations across the UK and beyond.

When Andy Walton founded the business in 2011, he had a simple ambition: to build a world-class software company in the North East that could compete anywhere.

More than a decade later, that vision has become reality. From its Newcastle headquarters, Nine Software continues to grow, delivering bespoke software development, mobile applications and digital platforms for organisations across sectors including financial services, policing, healthcare, energy and maritime.

As the business has scaled, it has also focused on ensuring the wider infrastructure around it keeps pace. That includes moving to Allica Bank, for a more relationship-led approach to its banking.

Who is Nine Software?

Nine Software builds custom software products, but that is only part of the story.

The business also helps organisations modernise existing technology through its Digital Fostering service, taking over the management of software applications that need ongoing support, maintenance and improvement. It also provides specialist engineering teams to complement clients’ in-house capabilities, while increasingly embedding AI and predictive analytics into the solutions it delivers.

Its own in-house application portfolio includes platforms that help UK police forces and NHS frontline staff manage everything from firearms licensing applications to collision reporting, patient transport and the sharing of vital operational information.

Many members of the Nine Software team hold NPPV Level 3 security clearance, which means they can work on some of the UK’s most sensitive public sector technology projects.

Alongside growing the company’s technical capability, and keeping the business firmly rooted in Newcastle, he also wanted to make sure the business was supported by a banking partner that understands how ambitious established businesses operate.

Nine Software's story

Despite its national reach, Nine Software has remained firmly rooted in the North East.

"When we started the business, people would ask why we'd choose Newcastle instead of somewhere like Manchester or London," says Andy Walton.

"But I'm a local lad, and I knew the talent we have here. We wanted to prove you could build a technology business from the North East that could compete on a global stage."

That commitment to the region runs through every part of the business.

When the team refurbished its headquarters four years ago, every contractor involved was sourced locally, from tradespeople through to artists commissioned to create murals throughout the building.

Carl Shovlin, Nine Software’s Managing Director, says that local focus is a deliberate choice.

"We believe that investing locally creates a ripple effect. If you spend money in your local economy, it helps other businesses grow too.

"We've always wanted to build something that's successful commercially while giving something back to the North East."

From recruiting and developing local talent to giving work to local businesses, Nine Software has consistently invested back into its community. The company also supports grassroots sports teams and local charities, and with a strong order book and customer relationships, is keen to keep championing the North East technology scene.

For a company that prides itself on being straightforward, relationship-led and technically sharp, its banking experience needed to reflect those same values.

How Allica Bank helped

As the needs of the business grew, Nine Software started looking for a bank that offered the same straightforward, relationship-led approach it gives its own customers.

After banking with a high street bank since the business launched, the team had never felt especially supported as it expanded.

That changed after meeting Craig Smith, Allica’s north-east-based relationship manager.

"Craig explained what Allica was trying to do and how they worked, and the message really resonated with us," says Andy.

"It was a bit of a leap of faith moving away from a big bank after so many years, because you naturally think switching is going to be a nightmare. But that couldn't have been further from our experience.

"It was uncomplicated, very straightforward and Allica was really easy to deal with. Our first conversation through to everything being set up took less than 48 hours."

As a software business, technology also mattered.

"Being technologists ourselves, our tolerance for bad technology is pretty low," says Carl.

"I like things that just work and feel seamless, and that's exactly what we've found. The online banking and mobile app work really well, and the whole experience has been smooth from start to finish."

Alongside the simplicity of the experience, features such as a linked Savings Pot and cashback have delivered practical benefits for the business.

"The interest rates are excellent, especially being able to keep money in Savings Pots alongside the current account," says Andy.

"The rewards are a nice bonus too. Cashback is the sort of thing that can go towards celebrating the team at Christmas or other staff perks, which is always appreciated."

For Andy, the biggest difference has been knowing there is always someone to speak to.

"Having direct access to Craig has been brilliant because you know exactly who to contact if you need anything.

"With our previous high street bank, it always felt quite faceless. We'd have a different account manager every few months and never really build a relationship.

"With Allica, it's been the complete opposite. It's simple, personal and exactly the kind of experience we'd been looking for."

What's next for Nine Software?

With demand for its services continuing to grow, Nine Software is focused on the next chapter.

That means building on its strong foundations in the North East, continuing to develop local talent and helping more organisations modernise the way they work.

Craig Smith says the business is a great example of the kind of customer Allica was built to support.

"Nine Software is a fantastic example of the ambitious businesses we love working with. Andy and the team have built an impressive company that combines technical expertise with a genuine commitment to developing local talent and supporting the North East economy.

"It's been a pleasure to support Nine Software, and we're looking forward to building on that relationship as the business continues to grow."