SMALL businesses’ clamour to access accounting tools on the move has helped a software firm strengthen its international repute.

The Sage Group has saluted its 50 Cloud platform, which officials say is driving growth across Europe and North America.

Bosses told The Northern Echo the successes are helping mitigate £50m cost savings and giving the business a firmer platform to potentially create new jobs.

The company, which employs more than 1,000 workers at its Newcastle headquarters, says 50 Cloud, which allows people to process data from various locations through mobile devices, allowed subscriptions to rise in the six months to March 31.

The firm added its success was complemented by increased demand for its Sage One marque, which helps smaller businesses look after their accounts and payrolls, and Sage X3, known for supporting larger operation’s affairs.

Stephen Kelly, chief executive, said software subscriptions grew 35.3 per cent in the half year, with contracts rising from 561,000 a year ago to 842,000.

The increases propelled organic revenue 6.2 per cent higher at £747m, while UK and Ireland organic revenue was nine per cent better off at £165m.

Referring to how its products are luring greater customers, a report said: “We continue to perform and transform and are generating significant momentum with the Sage 50 family.

“Subscriptions in North America have increased by around 25,000, with a third being new customers or reactivations.

“(It has also been) a key driver across Europe, with the latest versions enabling multi-access for colleagues and accountants.

“UK and Ireland revenue grew, supported by organic subscription revenue growth of 47 per cent to £50m.

“(However), we are expanding services, for instance offering e-invoicing, which includes a ‘pay now’ button to help customers get paid faster for goods and services.

“Sage One paying subscriptions have grown by 100 per cent over the past 12 months to 230,000, with more than 10,000 paying subscriptions achieved in Brazil.”

The company also confirmed it was continuing its quest to make £50m cuts across back office operations, revealing it has served notices on 46 property leases.

Officials previously told The Northern Echo they wanted to remove duplicative systems and software, rather than workers, and a spokesman said bosses are eyeing more jobs.

He added: “Sage will be in a position to create jobs across the business as it progresses through the transformation.”