Pump technology business with sights on further global growth

An international pump technology business based in Truro has set its sights on further global growth thanks to support from Superfast Business Cornwall.

Riventa are award-winning specialists at pump testing, monitoring and network optimisation, using highly accurate data to help clients such as water and waste water companies save money across their pumping networks.

Like many consultancies Riventa had used traditional methods to manage its logistics and administrative systems, but this was becoming a barrier to scaling up the business.

Riventa’s Consultancy Director Tom Clifford explained: “We previously managed to run the business using spreadsheets but were outgrowing that system and needed a more robust solution.”

“It was becoming challenging to operate efficiently and exceed customer expectation without a structured system. We have offices in the UK, Seoul, Toronto and Las Vegas, so having an integrated system in place became essential.”

Riventa approached Superfast Business Cornwall who helped guide the company to identify the best solution, an ERP (Enterprise, Resource and Planning) system that could integrate a number of functions from across the whole business. This included customer relationship management, a sales pipeline, manufacturing and inventory management, accounting and finance, human resources and project management.

The system has an online portal for customers to use so they can see workflows and dashboards, which is a new service for clients.  There is also a new document management system that enabled digitisation of Riventa’s quality management system ISO 9001.

Riventa was assisted throughout the process by one of Superfast Business Cornwall’s Digital Business Enablers, Steve Edwards.

“Superfast Business Cornwall was pivotal in helping us to distil our requirements and understand the underlying technology, which proved essential when it came to generating specification documentation and selecting the right vendor,” said Tom.

Riventa works predominantly with customers in the water industry, and was awarded Project of the Year 2016 by trade body The Pump Centre for its work with Severn Trent Water after it saved the business £400,000 in energy costs, or 9% of the annual energy bill.

The company has a diverse client base, with 99% of its revenue coming from outside of the Cornwall area and 75% of turnover is export.

“We needed to have a more organised system in place to support further global expansion,” said Tom. “We are a niche company, which means we are able to have a much greater global reach. We currently have overseas contracts in the Asia, the Middle East, North America and South America, and our new system has allowed us to be more structured and organised to take our business forward.

“If it hadn’t been for Superfast Business Cornwall’s support, we wouldn’t have been able to get the system in place so quickly. It would have been a considerably more drawn-out process; realising the benefits sooner has enabled us to expand faster.”

Digital Business Enabler Steve Edwards said “It was a delight to work with Tom and the Riventa team.  As they expand globally the need for a flexible ERP solution is essential.  The system needed to support them now and allow for flexible development in enabling their future requirements.  The ERP system is already providing a solid platform for Riventa and will continue to support their future growth plans”.

Superfast Business Cornwall aimed to help businesses understand, adopt and exploit digital technology to boost competitiveness.  The service offered a tailored programme of high quality information, impartial advice and digital development.

The service was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by Serco Employment, Skills and Enterprise, national market leaders in the provision of Superfast Broadband focused business support. Building upon the success of the previous Superfast Business Cornwall Service, the latest project ran until March 2019.