Lane Clark & Peacock selects Star Computers for next generation finance systems

Published 9th March 2010

9th March 2010 – After a thorough evaluation of all the systems on offer, leading actuarial firm Lane Clark & Peacock LLP has announced that it has chosen Star Computers Limited for a suite of integrated applications to support its business as it continues to grow both within the UK and overseas.

The new system will comprise Star’s Practice Management software and Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Star will run the Work in Progress and Debtors Ledgers and information will flow through to NAV which will handle the firm’s Creditors and General Ledgers.

Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP), a partnership with more than 500 staff across offices in the UK and Europe, went through a lengthy research process before choosing Star. LCP’s Finance Director, Paul Marsland, explains “We wanted a suite of applications that provided us with a modern, flexible time and billing system in order to deliver better and more timely management reporting. LCP has also grown considerably since the previous systems we implemented and the volume of transactions the firm now processes means that a system that can help tie everything together will deliver a real efficiency gain.

“Partners and managers will have much more information on their desktops using tools like the Star Dashboard, helping them to have a better overall view of what is being delivered to our clients and enabling them to make more informed billing decisions.”
Bernard Skalla, CEO of Star says “We are well known as a supplier of Practice Management systems to the larger firms in the accountancy profession in the UK and overseas, and although we have had actuarial clients for some years, we see this new relationship as a significant step towards becoming equally established in the actuarial profession in the UK and internationally.”

LCP found that the Star software was very well suited to its needs, with just one enhancement necessary to meet LCP’s specific requirements – which will be delivered in time for when the system goes live this summer.

Another consideration was Star’s proven record in delivering solutions of this size and complexity. As part of its due diligence, LCP visited Star clients in the UK and overseas to ensure that both the software and the resources of Star could deliver against a set of demanding requirements. “We found it refreshing and reassuring that clients were willing to put aside quite a bit of time to talk to us and the comments they made gave us the confidence that we were making the right choice,” Paul adds.
“LCP went through a very diligent and methodical review process with us. We are delighted that we have met their exacting selection criteria and look forward to working with them for many years to come,” Bernard concludes.
 
About Lane Clark & Peacock
LCP is a partnership of consulting actuaries, established in 1947. The firm has over 90 partners and principals and a team of more than 500 employees in 8 offices across Europe (London, Winchester, Jersey, Brussels, Zurich, Basel, Utrecht and Dublin).

The firm specialises in providing clients with practical, bespoke and robust solutions, covering corporate pensions, strategic investment advice, general insurance and specialist financial services including risk appraisal, business modelling and valuations.

The firm invests continuously in research and IT systems to ensure the delivery of a quality service, effectively and efficiently. This can be measured by long-standing successful relationships with clients - many of whom have been with the firm for more than 20 years.
www.lcp.uk.com

About Star Computers
Star Computers is one of the leading developers and suppliers of Practice Management software to the Accountancy Profession. These include regional and national offices of the Big 4 global firms, members of the main international accounting associations and increasing number of the Top 100 US firms.

Star is a major supplier of Bureau, Corporate and Expatriate Payroll systems for the UK market. Clients include 40 of the top 60 UK accountancy firms as well as a wide variety of corporates where its ‘green’ ePayslips option is especially attractive.

With customers in many countries, Star is fully accredited to supply and support Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision), Microsoft Dynamics CRM and SharePoint Services. Star also has a specialist division that develops and markets its leading Havenstar software exclusively for the international Marine Management market – leisure marinas, harbours and waterway operations.
www.starplc.com

Date: 9th March 2010 Ref: 10-024