eBusiness Development Ltd was established in March 2004 to deliver e-business solutions through the effective and innovative use of technology. As a business technology solutions provider eBD works with its clients to extract more value from existing technologies and processes or looks at new ways to improve how clients interact with customers, suppliers and other business users. Clients also look to eBD to support them in future technology investment decisions.

The company’s main focus is on e-business software development and the provision of bespoke managed services. Its consultants are skilled in business strategy, application and technical innovation and it employs a high-level development team, in order to deliver integrated solutions that address each client’s specific needs.

The eBD approach is to focus on initiatives that will deliver the greatest tangible improvement for the client’s business. This is achieved by breaking projects down into manageable phases and working in partnership with the client to 'e-volve' the business systems and processes, as measurable results are delivered.

Long Term Commitment & Strength in Depth

eBD was founded to fulfil two interrelated functions:

1. to become a successful and dynamic company in its own right – a force in the field of e-business
2. to provide a powerful, expandable IT development platform for Ark-H Handling Ltd

The three major founding shareholders have strong business relationships of many years standing.  Tim Matthews and Fiona Strong, Managing Director of Ark-H Handling Ltd, met in 1999 in the early days of the e-business revolution and formed a shared interest in the way in which the emerging technologies could be used for the improvement of business performance and practice.

As a result of this interest Tim Matthews began working with Ark-H Handling as its ‘e-business partner’ and, in so doing, became acquainted with John Weston (at that time a Director of and subsequently Chief Executive of BAE Defence Systems). John, who acts as an unofficial Chairman for Ark-H had been working with Fiona for many years to develop the IT platforms of the handling house and together with Tim Matthews they conceived the concept of eBD. The three share a vision of a long-term business, strongly rooted in web-based technologies, capable of providing the same levels of customer service and ‘partnership’ as are now so prevalent in the more traditional service sector companies.

Although neither Fiona Strong nor John Weston are Directors of the company, both have made a substantial long-term commitment, in terms of both human and financial resource, to the development of the organisation.  John Weston is actively involved in the development of the new data capture technologies. He brings an insightful strategic overview to the structure of the company.  Fiona Strong is more involved at the e-commerce end, with an overriding interest in the way in which web-based connectivity can streamline and increase the productivity of client/supplier relationships.  Tim Matthews, as the Managing Director of the business, provides the direction for the corporate development.

This arrangement is presently undergoing a number of changes, to the benefit of both businesses, resulting from the acquisition of Diss Promotional Services Ltd in February 2006 by Ark-H. eBD now manages the IT resource for all 3 companies and will itself become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ark-H group during 2007.

The original purpose and concept for eBD has remained consistent, and its ability to deliver enterprise level solutions has been significantly strengthened.

For Information
Ark-H handling Ltd is a handling and fulfilment agency, traditionally focusing on the business-to business market. More information can be found at
www.ark-h.co.uk

Diss Promotional Services Ltd is also a fulfilment agency, whose traditional focus is on the business-to-consumer market. More information can be found at www.diss.net