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Redwood
International & Uniplex
 Redwood
International was Formed in 1981 to develop and market business word
processing software systems. The business concentrated on larger,
enterprise systems and sold well over a million licences to many
types of business and other organisations. A major part of the
business was in the USA where Redwood sold to American corporations,
the Federal Government and the military.
 The
business was founded by Peter, who was Chairman and CEO as it grew
from start-up, through venture capital, to a successful trade sale.
Key business metrics were all grown aggressively and consistently.
The Company received the Queen's Award for Export Achievement in
1990.
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 Products:
Peter wrote the original prototype word processing software.
Then moved the product focus and activities from early
microcomputers, to the computers using Unix operating systems
that were favoured by business users at the time. Integrated the
core word processing system with spreadsheet and database
functionality to produce one of the earliest comprehensive
integrated office automation systems. Extended product to enable
inter-operability between corporate Unix systems and PCs, as
corporate users began to use the PC as a tool for information
systems.
Markets:
Initially, the Company sold its products to business customers
based primarily in the UK and Europe. The US subsidiary was
opened in 1985 to concentrate on major customers in North
America. By the late 1980s, 65% of sales were made in America to
Fortune100 companies, Government agencies, and the military.
Extensive sales were also made into the Far East and Pacific Rim
markets. The Company was also a leading provider of software to
almost all the prime contractors who tendered for major
contracts in Europe and the USA.
Organisation:
From start-up with Peter being the only employee, the Company
grew to 265 staff. Redwood operated from 12 offices, including 5
in the US, across four continents world-wide. The business was
organised into three operating divisions, one covering sales in
North America, one handling International sales, and a
technology and product development division.
Funding:
Initial funding for start-up was a loan raised on personal
assets. Venture capital investors were firstly, Baillie Gifford
& Co, followed by Ivory & Sime, both of Edinburgh. Venture
capital financing was: 1985: £0.5m, 1987: £1.5m, 1990: £2m.
Funding instruments included Ordinary, Preference, and
Convertible Preference shares. Initial Various bank facilities
were secured, including £2.5m credit line at the time of exit.
Successful exit:
Continued growth and increased profitability during 1990 while
seeking a corporate partner that could bring substantial
increased business capacity and resources to enable the Company
to maintain its dominant market leadership position as the PC
market began a period of explosive growth. Redwood was bought by
IMI plc in late 1991, and Peter departed in late 1992.
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