A NORTH-EAST software company has signed an agreement to provide its services to a leading IT company, working in the social housing sector.

Applaud, which has offices in Middlesbrough and Newcastle, has signed an agreement with Newcastle-based Orchard Information Systems, the largest independent IT provider to the UK social housing sector. Applaud has signed a legal partnership to deliver its complete range of services and software to Orchard’s customers.

Applaud was founded in 2001 by Teesside-born Paul Sheperia.

Ian Shard, managing director at Orchard Information Systems, said: “We are delighted to welcome Applaud as one of our key business partners. An effective and efficient performance management solution is essential for any organisation wanting to make informed business decisions that shape the way they deliver their services.

“Applaud’s Vestri product is a very powerful and compelling offering and gives us the opportunity to enhance our solution portfolio beyond our very successful housing management solution.

“We are looking forward to a long and very successful business partnership.”

Applaud has a strong focus on social housing and public sector customers.

Mr Sheperia said: “This partnership is a real milestone.

We’ve found Orchard to be excellent, both technically and with our people, and see this partnership as an important part of our strategy to target our solutions at our public sector customers.

“With the support and service that Orchard brings, together with the high regard that the company has within the industry, we believe this is a winning combination.”