Sigma Solutions AB knows there is a value in having a local representative in one of Sweden’s largest cities. That’s why they have once more opened an office in Norrköping. The move is due to the good supply of competence IT personnel which are available in the city as well as a need to be near the client.
- We want to be where it’s happening, says Michael Qvist, Site Manager for the Norrköping office.

“Sigmas success is based on the desire of its employees to surpass the expectations of the client”

Sigma Solutions AB has been around forever and is today ranked as one of Sweden’s leading IT consultancy firms. That’s how Michael Qvist, Site Manager and salesman of the Norrköping office would like to present the company.

The company, with its 1,400 employees and offices in 15 countries around the world, supplies IT solutions and consultancy services. The intention is to further develop a clients’ existing IT investments and strengthen their position amongst competitors. Sigmas organisation is based on three business areas:
• IT solutions - the Norrköping office provides these services as well as working with system development, business intelligence, IT management and Service operation.
• Kudos which develops applications for technical publications and documents
• Value which implements business systems.

- We are especially focused on functional actions within business systems, IT and information solutions, says Michael.

The company has previously had an office in Norrköping at a time when they took over Ericsson Business Consulting. But when Ericsson was forced to make stringent cutbacks, Sigma consolidated its position to Linköping. In December 2006, five years later, the company once more opened an office in Norrköping.

- This was a natural part of Sigmas development but with a completely different customer profile and different assignments, explains Michael. This move to Norrköping is also partly due to the supply of competent IT personnel and not least due to the existence of the University. As the same time it is important to be close to the client. Local patriotism and close ties to the region is incredibly important. I think our clients here in Norrköping and in every other region would rather get involved with a company that has local connections than choose to work with an organisation located in a different region. Then of course, having a local representative in one of Sweden’s largest city is also an advantage, adds Michael, who reckons long term with a staff of about 30 – 40 consultants in the Norrköping office.

- Recruiting is paramount for the company at the moment. During the autumn there will be 15 consultants who will work directly with the Norrköping office and by the end of the year we expect this group to have expanded to 20. It was not a coincidence that we chose to move in to Norrköping Science Park. We wanted to be where the action was he says.

As Site Manager, besides being responsible for sales, Michael is also responsible for keeping the office running.
- It is my job to develop and help the Norrköping office grow, says Michael who in a past life was Head of Sales in the Norwegian owned Ergo Group. This new job in Norrköping involves a fair amount of commuting as Michaels home is in Linköping.
- A bit like something the dog brought in is how I feel at the moment, he says jokingly.

At the moment Sigma has 40 different assignments within the Norrköping area. Clients include Holmen Paper, the LFV Group, the Swedish Migration Board, the National Police Board, Norrköping municipality, Regional Social Insurance Office and the County Council.
- Our clientele are often larger companies. We are a large company that works well with other large companies, says Michael. But as Michael is of the belief that like attracts like, a multi client service centre has been formed, which he describes as a breakaway section that works directly with smaller companies thereby providing them with Sigmas competencies as well.

- Sigmas success is based on the desire of its employees to surpass the expectations of the client. Therefore quality and the ability to deliver are important aspects for us. It is our job to create a simpler life for our clients. When a new client comes to us they should be aware that we deliver what we promise. We provide support even if the solution may not be close at hand, says Micahel. Our ability to bring together the right mix of competencies and make use of the company’s entire breadth is also something unique to us. Not all competencies are at hand in Norrköping, sometimes we have to bring it in from other areas.

As far as the company’s future is concerned, Michael is convinced that Sigma is up there with the big boys in Norrköping, that is to say, VM-data and Gaia.
- We will obviously be a player in Norrköping worth reckoning on – we are here to stay, says Michael Qvist.

Michael’s favourites:
Music: Rock
Books: Deadheads, by Reginald Hill
Television: Comedy and documentaries on television and cinema films
Best place in Norrköping:  walkways around Strömmen
Hidden talents: Water ski-ing

Prospects no 3, 2007