Electronics design and software engineering consultancy Ignys has celebrated its third birthday by moving into new premises on the Nottingham Science Park.

Ignys New Building Nottingham

East Midlands entrepreneur Richard Fletcher set up Ignys in 2017.

“After 20 years in the electronics sector, he knew that products often suffered due to electronic flaws in their design,” according to the company. “The combination of shorter lifecycles, reduced functionality and material costs add together to prove costly in the long run. So Richard set out to provide advice to other companies, starting with his East Midlands contacts.

Ignys’ team has grown to eight – five engineers and a new commercial team of three. “Planning a longer-term growth strategy has helped us stay focused,” said Fletcher. “As a business owner it’s very easy to become obsessed with the day to day runnings of your company without putting measures in place to add sustainability for the future.”

Future plans include almost doubling in size in the next year, engaging with more start-ups and established companies in the East Midlands and beyond.

The new premises has a lab equipped with 3D Printer, environmental chambers and an SMT area, and there is a separate lab upstairs for electronic debug and inspection. “This extra lab is an important element for keeping confidential projects separate,” said Ignys. “The downstairs area can then be used to work with clients in-house after the pandemic has subsided.”

And regarding the pandemic?

Many companies in the East Midlands are looking to supply to the UK and beyond but have been hampered by travel costs and restrictions, according to the company. It has used video calling to network with nearby businesses and help customers further afield who can’t get to the office.

“Using a combination of fast internet and video conferencing can be a powerful way to build rapport with clients and business partners,” said Fletcher. “Sharing your screen can also be a useful way to communicate ideas, as if you were meeting in person.”