Hello Chicago! Test Factory Goes Global

DURHAM, England, August 10, 2011 -

Durham-based software firm The Test Factory will open their first American office, in Chicago, next month (August 2011).

The software company has seen rapid growth in the international markets and already has a host of US-based clients, including Microsoft.

The Test Factory goes global next month, as the company opens its first overseas offices in Chicago.

The Durham-based software firm - which develops market leading online assessment solutions - has seen staff numbers grow to more than 30 in a little over three years and already boasts a client list including Microsoft, HSBC and the BBC.

Strong and growing US demand for the company’s services has led to the decision to open a permanent presence in the country.

MD Kevin Beales said: “Members of the team are making so many trips to the States to visit current and prospective clients, it’s reached the point where it makes more sense for us to have people based their full-time.

“We’ve seen phenomenal growth in America over the last two years and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of it slowing down,with several new deals with American clients in the pipeline. It’s definitely exciting times here at The Test Factory.”

The Chicago office will be headed up by US-native Abbi Rettig, who has been with The Test Factory for the last 2 years.

On the move Abbi stated “I am really thrilled to be heading to America with The Test Factory. The opportunity and challenge of opening our first American office is something that really excites me.”

Although this is a new chapter for The Test Factory Beales believes this is just the start with The Test Factory also plan on opening further offices in Europe and Asia over the next 5 years.

He said: “Although we are familiar with America and have a host of clients based there, we really are just scratching the surface. The sheer number of opportunities that will be on our door step, let alone the rest of the country is simply staggering.”

The Test Factory have been supported by Sunderland Software City, the regional initiative supporting and driving the growth of the North East software industry.

Chief Executive Officer Bernie Callaghan said: “The Test Factory opening their first overseas office is a clear indication of the growing international reputation of North East software and great news not just for the software industry but also the region as a whole. 

“It’s no surprise to see them taking this step - I lost count of the number of people in the US they impressed when they joined us in a trade mission there last year - and they are just one of an increasing number of local software companies well on their way to becoming world leaders in their field.”

Notes to the editor

The Test Factory provide innovative assessment solutions, creating tests from content to engage employees in learning and providing business intelligence through rich real-time reporting. Clients including Microsoft, HSBC, M&S money & Cambridge University Press provide content and instructions to create assessment programmes to increase adoption of eLearning with Personalised Learning Plans (based on topic scores and questions marked incorrect) and provide stakeholders the tools to analyses individuals, groups and business performance. The Test Factory also have a pool of off the shelf assessments that many clients take advantage of.

Contact information
Mark Ackers
Marketing & PR executive
mark.ackers@thetestfactory.com
DD: +44(0)191-305-5200
Mobile: +44(0)7584-050-282
www.thetestfactory.com
www.twitter.com/thetestfactory

.