Middle East part of the Vision

Mike Dennehy says Vision Software is realistic about tackling only one market at a time. Picture / Mark Mitchell

With a strong New Zealand client base and an established operation in Australia, Mt Maunganui-based Vision Software is mulling over which export market to attack next.

What had previously seemed like an easy decision - a sales drive into the United States - is now less obvious thanks to a chance opportunity that come up on the golf course.

The company, which sells software for managing commercial property portfolios and running veterinary practices, is now working through the dilemma of deciding whether to execute a well-planned launch into the US market or take up a more spontaneous opportunity that might soon arise in the United Arab Emirates.

Chief executive Mike Dennehy says that after developing a US entry strategy with the help of four international MBA students from MIT in Boston, a discussion with a golf partner who had been working for the UAE Government also opened the door to a potential deal in that part of the world. A government department is looking for a property management tool of the type Vision specialises in.

"We've got strong prospects in the US and, at this stage, that's probably where we're leaning to but, of course, if our prospect in Abu Dhabi does turn into a customer, that may change our focus over the next year or so."

Vision Software has three staff based in Australia as well as 32 in Mt Maunganui and Dennehy says the company is "realistic" about tackling only one new market at a time.

"We went into the Australian market using a low-risk approach that meant that we didn't actually commit to premises or much in the way of overhead until we had some customers but Australia is a pretty easy market logistically compared to somewhere like Abu Dhabi or the US where you have time, cultural, financial as well as industry differences."

The company is also keen to expand its presence in Australia.

Vision Software was founded by vet John Nottingham in 1988 to develop a veterinary practice management system called Vision VPM. Today the package handles all aspects of running a vet practice except controlling the payroll.

On the property side of the business the company sells a property management software package for owners or managers of property and another for occupiers of commercial property. Its clients include Air New Zealand, The Warehouse, ANZ, National and Westpac banks.

Dennehy says the business has managed to thrive from its Mt Maunganui location with one of the few disadvantages being the added cost of airfares.

"We love living there and we're fortunate enough to be able to base the business there and combine a good lifestyle with having a successful business," he says.

While a more comprehensive schedule of services out of Tauranga Airport would make life slightly easier at times "the disadvantages are hugely outweighed by the advantage."

Vision Software

Who: Mike Dennehy, chief executive.
What: Property management and veterinary practice management software.
Where: Mt Maunganui and Sydney.
Why: "We've built an excellent business with outstanding prospects through having innovative software, a clear business plan and great execution."