Pictured above: (l-r) Alan Sampson, managing director of Solid Solutions, and John Barnes, centre manager for the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre

A Warwick firm is building a solid future after expanding its network of offices in the UK and becoming a global powerhouse.

Solid Solutions, based at the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre, is preparing to open its eighth office after experiencing one of the most successful periods in the company's 12-year history.

The business supplies computer aided design (CAD) software SolidWorks, as well as training, support and development assistance, to over 3,000 customers - including organisations such as Cadbury's, boat manufacturer Sealine and footwear company Clarks.

After experiencing a growth of 22 per cent last year and a turnover of more than £10 million the company has decided to add a Manchester office to its existing network of offices in Warwick, Hampshire, Sheffield, London, Leeds, Cambridge and Durham.

The company has also moved to take over a company based in Newcastle with the aim of expanding its operation further into the north of England.

Alan Sampson, managing director of Solid Solutions, said: "We started off in the Midlands before gradually expanding across the UK and we are now recognised as the third largest organisation in our field in the whole of Europe.

"We are looking to continue our development and to take Solid Solutions to the next level by providing as many local offices as possible across the country.

"We chose the Innovation Centre as a base because I had been located at the University of Warwick Science Park with other companies for over 10 years before launching Solid Solutions.

"I knew the set up well and had always been pleased with the service."

The company currently employs 53 people but is in the process of expanding its workforce. It has also begun to offer online training seminars to make the process of learning how to use the CAD software more convenient for its customers.

John Barnes, centre manager for the University of Warwick Science Park's Warwick Innovation Centre, said: "Solid Solutions is a perfect example of a good company which is well run.

"The success of the business speaks for itself and we are delighted that we have such a strong and longstanding relationship with a company of this calibre.

"The achievements of Solid Solutions demonstrate how a small company can take advantage of the support available here at the University of Warwick Science Park to develop into a thriving organisation which competes on an international scale."