workingProgram

Workingprogram is a micro-ISV based in London. My name is Anne Currie and I started it 3 years ago while I worked for a software house called Data Connection. At the time, I was building web conferencing and communications products for interesting guys like Microsoft and Cisco. Later, I became Head of IT at the world's largest online retailer of "branded underwear" - a startup called Figleaves.com. I know, a weird place for a woman in business who normally builds really techy comms products. What can I say? My underwear now matches ;-)

Then in 2009 I woke up one morning and I couldn't read. 25% of my vision had disappeared overnight. MRI is amazing technology, so within a week I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 

My vision came back, thank goodness, and I'm in great health and hope to stay that way for a long time. But, it made me realise I wanted a new way to live and work that balanced my love of technology and "making cool stuff" with a more flexible lifestyle that let me exercise, eat healthily, manage my health and spend more time with my family and friends.

So, I decided to take Workingprogram full time. Now we develop and sell Qlockwork - time tracking software that gets Outlook to automatically record everything you do on your PC and put it in a new calendar, so you can manage your time and bill accurately. It's aimed at everyone, but it's particularly good for small and medium sized companies that don't have large IT and training budgets.

Nowadays, I make use of all kinds of communications technologies so I can work from home and cooperate with other small businesses all over the world. Though I'm based in London, I outsource to Germany and Thailand and I have customers and partners across the globe.

• I use Qlockwork to manage my time and make sure I don't waste it all online, shopping for underwear ;-)
• I use Skype to keep in contact with my partners.
• I use web conferencing systems like Unyte and Webex to demonstrate the product and fix problems.

 There's so much technology out there that can help you take control of your life and your work and handle whatever's thrown at you. I'm proud I've helped build some of it.

Currently, installed application sales, driven by SEO and PR.

Next phase is a "software as a service" version via the same channels.

The business went full time in 2009

- Strong development and internet retailing expertise

- An existing product that is proven to track time accurately in a form that users need to fill in timesheets 

- a product that is proven to sell via the target channels and generate revenue