In 1986 Markinson began as a one-man business with a vision to fill a gap in the market for integrated business software solutions for wholesale distribution businesses.
Growing gradually throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, and more rapidly in recent years, Markinson has achieved continuous year-on-year growth.
Mark Clearwater, Markinson CEO, explains that the vision of its founder Mark Robertson has evolved but not faltered over its 35-year history.
“Mark’s vision was to provide software solutions that transform businesses through vertically-focussed business process software.”
“Implementing the correct systems allows more time for the important decisions and practices which actively contribute to our clients’ business growth,” said Clearwater.
Today Markinson has hundreds of businesses that rely on their business software solutions to succeed, some who were there in the very early days. One such client is Multispares who are one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest commercial vehicle spare parts suppliers.
Geoff Stewart, Managing Director for Multispares recalls that Marksinson was with them in those very early days when both companies were just starting out.
“I feel we have been really lucky that Marksinson has evolved as we evolved,” said Stewart.
“Had Markinson not developed alongside us we would have had to migrate to a different business software platform; but we haven’t had to because we picked the right software solution partners from the beginning.”
The growth that Stewart refers to has been a consequence of the massive changes in technology that have occurred over the past 30 years; and the need that Multispares had for business software that could keep pace with this.
That business software started off as MDES and evolved over the years to become MomentumProERP; Markinson’s streamlined wholesale automotive business solution which has been a key staple of their range for 25 years.
Stewart explains that MomentumPro enabled them to consolidate key business functions which was critical then and remains so today.
“Our founder Harry Forsyth tells the story that in the very early days they had to dial in on a modem to do a sales transaction. it was pretty slow going back then.”
“The fact that MomentumPro evolved quickly to be integrated within every part of the business in a seamless way as the internet evolved meant we had a backend system that kept pace with our growth.”
“The other aspect of MomentumPro that was critical to business continuity was that the system was very stable when it was all very new, and remains so today,” said Stewart.
For Markinson having long term partners who have been on a similar journey is something they are proud of.
“In the early days, and still today, we often worked with Multispares to develop a new aspect of MomentumProERP because we both could see the advantages these changes would make to both of our businesses,” said Mark Clearwater.
Clearwater goes on to explain that having grown and learnt together is only possible when there is complete trust and transparency.
“Over the years there have been challenges from time-to-time however, we have been able to work constructively together to resolve issues quickly, and in such way that has benefited both parties.”
For the team at Markinson, recognising its 35-year anniversary has been tricky due to COVID restrictions.
“We have had a few stops and starts this year but are still planning to recognise this milestone with our most important people – our clients, team members and their families, said Clearwater.”