COMPANY

The management of Cheops has developed a strategic plan known as Focus 2014. The plan was drawn up in association with Professor Werner Bruggeman PhD of Ghent University and the Vlerick Management School, using a method based on strategy cards developed at Harvard. As well as setting out a clear mission and vision for the future of Cheops, Focus 2014 also includes a number of strategic objectives in the areas of HR, marketing and finance.

Cheops has successfully completed the integration of the Belgian IT service activities of SCC Belgium, and this has led directly to it becoming an SCC Global Partner in Belgium. Filip Goos, Managing Director: “We have gained 20 new colleagues as a result of this acquisition, and they will provide extra added value and secure excellent customer references. The partnership with SCC will allow us to expand our international capabilities.” Cheops now has more than 70 employees in total, and it has taken over another floor at the Edegem building, increasing the office’s floor area from 630 m² to over 1300 m².

Cheops has set itself the goal of doubling turnover by 2014. Consulting firms such as Gartner have established that the server market contracted by between 25% and 30% in the first six months of 2009. Although there was a slight revival during the third and fourth quarters, global figures were disappointing. Cheops, by contrast, can report growth of 20%. This is fully in line with Focus 2014 plan, which predicts average annual growth in turnover of 15%.

Cheops wants to become a highly recommended IT solution provider over the next five years, and is focusing on total solutions as part of this. This strategy will provide clear added value for clients, in the form of lower operating costs, increased productivity and a competitive edge. As Filip Goos explained, ”We don’t sell products. We seek to build long-term relationships with our clients, based on providing appropriate advice, implementing customised solutions and offering active support. After implementation, the IT networks of our clients are proactively maintained. This is the only way to ensure the network and uptime can be optimised on a structural basis. In order to accomplish this, we need the right tools and a team of highly motivated, competent employees. With this aim in mind, we have a clear plan of action that will enable us to be chosen as one of the top five employers by 2014.”