Happy birthday grant for 27stars

The company, which takes its name after Seven Stars Road in Welshpool specialises in web applications– building interactive websites which incorporate specific features to suit individual customers, particularly business.

The grant will be used to further develop the company, particularly exploiting its strength in innovative web applications. They have recently completed a website system for a racehorse trainer, with special features unique to the industry; a holiday-lets website with an innovative booking system, and a site for the recent Llanfyllin Workhouse Festival, which again featured specific management tools requested by the organisers.

From Llanfyllin High School, Karl studied for four years at Southampton University, gaining a Masters and a First Class Honours Degree in Computer Science. He then returned to Mid-Wales to start the business in 2006.

Company chairman Simon Mills said: ”It’s been a very positive start for us and hopefully an exciting future thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government. The grant will help us with software development and once that is complete we anticipate further employment opportunities at 27stars."

The company’s Welsh Assembly Government innovation grant came through the SmartCymru programme, which is designed to support innovation and Research and Development that can help businesses develop and commercialise new products and processes.

Karl, who is chief executive, added: ”Our business website system is proving really popular because we take time to listen to what customers need and then combine a series of special features with great graphics. Now, thanks to the grant, this package can be even better.”