NCS and Turning Point Technologies combine to create 'Turning Point'

Newcastle Computer Systems plc (NCS) has confirmed the acquisition of Turning Point Technologies Ltd (TPT), a subsidiary of the international pre-media services group TAG Worldwide. The amalgamation of these two technology specialists creates the UK's largest independent graphic arts supplier and system integrator with a combined turnover in region of 20m.

There is a high level of synergy between NCS, in Newcastle, and TPT, in London, who have been working together successfully to provide regional sales and support to customers for the past eight years. With 43 years of experience between them, both companies offer a complementary range of software and hardware products to the UK graphic arts market and both provide a high level of consultation, integration, maintenance, training and support services. Their expertise, which also includes customization and bespoke programming, has attracted a client list that includes: AGI Group, BBC Worldwide, Christies, Communisis, Euro RSCG, Findel Group, Nestle, News International, Prinovis, St Ives, and TAG.

NCS employs 50 staff and has a current turnover of 14m, and TPT employs 25 staff with a turnover of 6m. The combination of NCS and TPT is a natural evolution of their close association and creates a single nationwide organization with a highly experienced and efficient sales and support network. Market leading applications sold, integrated and supported by the two companies include: Xinet asset management; Dalim Software workflow and remote/soft proofing; Group Logic secure file transfer; ICC profile management; Press Sense e-procurement; web to print and variable data solutions; GMG digital proofing; Screen and Luescher B3, B2, B1 and VLF CTP; Luescher, Durst and Mimaki large format devices. Screen Truepress 344 digital offset press; and Xerox DocuColor digital printers.

The new company is called Turning Point and will be headquartered at NCS' existing premises in Newcastle, while TPT's sales and demonstration facilities remain in the South. Roger Stockdale, previously managing director of NCS, becomes managing director of the new company. Tony Newton becomes operations director. Steve Emerson, previously MD of TPT, becomes sales & marketing director and Richard Bates becomes sales director.

‘The industry now has a credible alternative to single-brand manufacturers. This agreement has created an independent, proven and nationwide supplier that provides a wide choice of expert products, and integrates and customizes them into powerful and streamlined bespoke solutions for agencies, pre-media firms, printers, print management companies, publishers, brand owners and implants,’ said Steve Parish, CEO, TAG Worldwide.

The company's clients, especially those with multiple sites throughout the UK, are said to have welcomed the creation of a new national service and support organization for both software and hardware.

‘The creation of Turning Point is welcomed by our existing product suppliers and our customers, especially those with multiple sites throughout the UK. Plus we are also a very attractive national sales and service organization to other overseas manufacturers looking to introduce their products into the UK market. We are already in discussions with several key suppliers and expect to announce distribution agreements for new products shortly,’ said Roger Stockdale.

‘This is an extremely exciting development,’ said Steve Emerson. ‘By joining our two very strong and compatible companies we have created an impressive organization with huge potential for future expansion, not only within the digital graphic arts arena, but also into new media sectors and overseas.’